REDUCING crime and violence and ensuring that the rule of law is upheld are very important in any country, particularly one like Guyana that is growing at a very fast rate and is attracting thousands of foreigners and companies annually.

Because of many factors and complexities, the prevalence of crime is often difficult to control. The PPP/C administration since taking office has been pumping money and other resources into boosting the country’s crime-fighting capabilities.

The “Safe-Country” project is one of the initiatives that was conceptualised by the party to help make Guyana a safer place.

Guyana’s President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Dr. Irfaan Ali, in November 2021 announced his government’s plans for the construction of this comprehensive, technology-driven network.

Connected by what is likely to be hundreds of modern and sophisticated CCTV cameras with command centres in each region, the network when fully online will be a major crime-fighting tool that will not only identify criminals, record criminal activity and aid intelligence gathering, but will also act as a deterrent to those wanting to engage in unlawful activities.

This initiative will boost the efforts of the police who for the past three years has managed to record a reduction in serious crimes.

The government of the day has pumped a large amount of resources into the Guyana Police Force – Guyana’s main crime-fighting agency. Ranks are benefitting from new vehicles, equipment, police stations and outposts that are outfitted with the necessary amenities to boost morale and productivity and continuous training.

In Budget 2024, an allocation of $2 billion has been set aside to further support the expansion of the Safe-Country initiative. This follows the $2.4 billion earmarked for the construction of command centres in 2023 and the $2.5 billion expended in 2022.

Police command centres in Regions Three and six have commenced limited operational activities and these will be expanded gradually. Command centres are currently being constructed in Regions Two, Five, and 10.

To complement these plans, the government will soon be rolling out a comprehensive biometrics project aimed at tracking and locating criminals, using security cameras outfitted with facial recognition software. The installation of the cameras has begun.

The Guyana Prison Service is also doing its part to ensure that the populaton is safe by equipping convicts with skills that will ensure their proper reintegration into society as productive people, while curbing recidivism.

With all the efforts being made and billions of dollars being spent, Guyana is well on its way to becoming a safer nation while the economy expands and investors flock these shores to grasp all the opportunities that are available.