–through concluded Citizen Security Strengthening Programme

THE Citizen Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP) which commenced in 2015 and was implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs, concluded on Friday with an exit workshop held at the Marriott Hotel.

The US$15 million project was funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and saw collaboration with the ministries of Legal Affairs, Finance and Human Services and Social Security to implement preventative strategies for the reduction of crime and violence in Guyana.

In his feature address, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn said the ministry is committed to ensuring the continued development of the country’s security sector, as regards efforts to combat crime and violence.

“The question of going forward overall, is the continuous improvement plans across the services,” he said.
Meanwhile, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, S.C., revealed that the Ministry of Legal Affairs was able to create an electronic management system allowing for the constellation of agencies to collaborate electronically and to share important data in relation to persons who are the subject of the criminal justice system.

“There is an existence now of a management system which links the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Judiciary, the Police Force and the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) and allows access to information,” Nandlall said.

To implement the programme, the Legal Affairs Ministry has since provided the Guyana Police Force (GPF) with some 170 pieces of equipment. Another large donation will be done to the GPS.
Meanwhile, Senior Minister within Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, said Guyana is currently undergoing a massive transformation; as such, institutional reform and modernisation are high on the government’s agenda.

“We don’t want that you for some reason, to visit an institution of state and feel like you are stepping back into the stone ages. The transformation is not only about the roads, the airports, the bridges and the hotels. A non-negotiable element is a necessity for citizens and visitors to enjoy safety and security of person and property,” the senior minister said.

The CSSP contributed to a reduction in crime and violence in Guyana through a comprehensive approach which combined preventative strategies with institutional-strengthening activities.
Additionally, the programme focused on the provision of efficient and sustainable support services. Direct technical support was also given to the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Prison Service and at community level.