GOVERNMENT will invest $90.6 billion of the 2024 budget into the security sector with a focus to modernise and fortify the country’s public safety and security initiatives.

In a comprehensive address to the National Assembly on Monday, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh highlighted the country’s economic performance while delivering the government’s proposed fiscal plan in the National Assembly.

Underscoring that a sum of $72.6 billion was expended by the security sector in 2023, the Senior Minister said: “In recognising that a vibrant security sector is as a result of well-planned and strategic initiatives, this Government has committed to invest heavily in the provision of expanded facilities, expanded mobility and updated equipment, better use of technology, training, and the promotion of greater accountability for law enforcement personnel in pursuit of these objectives and to continue our support to advance the security policies and initiatives so as to adapt to an ever-changing environment.”

Dr. Singh detailed the allocations and initiatives directed towards enhancing the capabilities of the Guyana Police Force:

GUYANA POLICE FORCE (GPF) INFRASTRUCTURE:

In 2023, $2.9 billion was dedicated to infrastructural expansion and upgrades, completing police stations and command centres in various regions.

Ongoing works on multiple police stations, including Annai, Ekereku, Lethem, Mocha, Monkey Mountain, Sparendaam, and Vreed-en-Hoop, with completion expected in 2024.

Advancements in the construction of the Criminal Investigation Department, Special Constabulary, Tactical Services Unit headquarters, and ICT Training Complexes
A transformative project for 2024 includes the construction of the state-of-the-art twelve-storey Brickdam Police Station, with a budget of $5.4 billion.

TRANSPORT FLEET:
In 2023, $900 million was utilised to procure additional motorcycles, pick-ups, boats, motorcars, and trucks.

An additional $1 billion is allocated in 2024 to further expand the Force’s land and water fleet with the purchase of additional vehicles, boats, and engines.

COMMUNITY POLICING:

Investment of $134.7 million in 2023 led to the formation of 49 new community policing groups.

A further $152.1 million is budgeted in 2024 for the expansion and visibility of these groups countrywide.

TECHNOLOGY:

In 2023, $52.5 billion was expended to develop the Force’s ability through the Safe Country Initiative, enhancing surveillance and investigative activities.
A further $2 billion is earmarked in 2024 to advance and expand the use of this integrated system.

TRAINING:

In 2023, $170 million was spent on training 1,752 ranks, focusing on areas like gender-based violence and restorative justice.

A budgeted sum of $250 million for 2024 aims to improve investigative and forensic capabilities through local and regional training programmes
In total, a significant allocation of $30.3 billion has been set aside in Budget 2024 for the Guyana Police Force.

GUYANA PRISON SERVICE (GPS) INITIATIVES

Dr. Ashni Singh outlined the strategic direction of the GuyanaPrison Service, allocating $5.5 billion in 2023 for reform initiatives, including the consolidation of correctional facilities and the introduction of holistic health care services. The budget for 2024 includes allocations for additional fire stations, equipment fleet upgrades, maintenance of fire hydrants, and ongoing training for fire officers.

As the government sets its sights on achieving the overall objective of a fortified security sector, the substantial investment outlined in the 2024 budget reflects a commitment to modernisation, capacity-building, and ensuring the safety of the nation’s citizens.

GUYANA FIRE SERVICE (GFS)

In 2023, a substantial investment of $3.3 billion was allocated for the acquisition of additional firefighting equipment, marking a significant step towards enhancing the GFS’s responsiveness.
The procurement included 16 water bowsers, eight water tenders, one telescopic boom firefighting vehicle, and six ambulances. Moreover, plans were set in motion for the acquisition of 40 light firefighting vehicles, strategically stationed across the country to strengthen local-level capabilities, with delivery scheduled for 2024.

In the upcoming year, the 2024 budget allocates an additional $500 million to further boost the GFS’s equipment fleet, ensuring a continued enhancement of firefighting capabilities and response efficiency.

MAINTENANCE OF FIRE HYDRANTS

Recognising the critical role of fire hydrants in firefighting operations, Dr. Ashni Singh highlighted the government’s commitment to maintaining the operability of fire hydrants countrywide. In 2023, 54 fire hydrants were serviced, and another 144 were installed, showcasing a proactive approach to infrastructure maintenance.

The 2024 budget allocates $60.7 million for the continued servicing of 150 fire hydrants and the installation of an additional 52, reinforcing the government’s dedication to ensuring a robust firefighting infrastructure.

HUMAN RESOURCE CAPACITY BUILDING THROUGH TRAINING

Underscoring the importance of skilled personnel in effective firefighting, Dr. Ashni Singh announced a budget allocation of $30 million for the training of fire officers in 2024. This commitment reflects the government’s focus on continuously improving the human resource capacity within the GFS, ensuring that personnel are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to tackle evolving challenges in the field.

The investments announced for the Guyana Fire Service are poised to significantly elevate the nation’s firefighting capabilities, further ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens. The government’s forward-looking approach to security sector funding reflects its commitment to staying ahead of emerging challenges and providing the necessary resources for a secure and resilient nation.

Dr. Ashni Singh concluded by highlighting the government’s overarching objective in the security sector. The allocated total sum of $90.6 billion in the 2024 budget underscores a comprehensive commitment to modernisation, infrastructure development, and capacity-building across various components of the security apparatus.