–facility will revolutionise law enforcement training in Guyana, ‘Top Cop’ says

IN a significant move towards modernising the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the construction of a new state-of-the-art facility for the Police Academy is set to begin soon, as three building contracts were officially handed over to contractors during a ceremony held at Dora, on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway on Thursday.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Mr Andre Ally, and Acting Commissioner of Police Mr Clifton Hicken presented the contracts to the three contractors: D&S Construction, Orin’s Supreme, and Green Plains Enterprise.

The three contracts are for the commencement of the following components that will mark significant milestones in the project:

ACCESS WAY:
CONTRACTOR: D&S Construction
CONTRACT SUM: G$102,688,320
DETAILS: This crucial infrastructure will ensure smooth and efficient movement within the facility, supporting both pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

LECTURE HALL:
CONTRACTOR: Orin’s Supreme
CONTRACT SUM: G$87,830,663
DETAILS: The Lecture Hall includes four to six smart classrooms with IT labs, providing advanced training environments for future law enforcement professionals.

BARRACKS:
CONTRACTOR: Green Plains Enterprise
CONTRACT SUM: G$84,973,455
DETAILS: The Barracks are integral to the academy’s housing infrastructure, and designed to accommodate a significant number of trainees.

The facility will feature an array of specialised buildings and amenities, including:
SECURITY AND ADMINISTRATION:
-A Security Hut with four checkpoints
– An Administrative Building, complete with offices, a registry, and an IT room
– Dedicated Instructors’ and Junior Instructors’ Buildings

TRAINING AND EDUCATION:
-A fully-equipped gym with saunas for both men and women
-A large auditorium with a multi-purpose space for approximately 1,000 occupants
-Smart classrooms and IT labs in lecture halls
-A Training Studio for practical exercises, including driving simulators and tactical courses

LIVING AND SUPPORT FACILITIES:
-A 5-star dining setup in the kitchen/dining area
-Barracks with phased construction to accommodate trainees
-A Medi-Centre with examination rooms and resting areas
-A Maintenance Building for HVAC, IT, and essential services

SPECIALISED TRAINING SPACES:
-A driving circuit replicating various road patterns
-A drill square with an asphalt surface
-An armoury and shooting range
-Recreational spaces, including ball courts and a training pool
The construction of the new facilities is part of a larger initiative that is aimed at enhancing the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the GPF.

This investment reflects the government’s recognition of the need for modern infrastructure to support law enforcement in addressing contemporary challenges, including crime and public safety.

The Dora Training Facility will be a comprehensive, state-of-the-art Police Academy that spans 228.85 acres, meticulously designed to provide advanced training and administrative facilities, with the primary goal of developing a world-class police force equipped to meet the demands of modern law enforcement.

The first phase of development entails the construction of several other key facilities, including a Training Studio, Instructor’s Building, Kitchen and Dining Hall, and Water Well. Each component is carefully planned to contribute to the overall goal of creating a fully functional and advanced training academy for the Guyana Police Force.

The Dora Training Facility is set to revolutionise law enforcement training in Guyana, providing a cutting-edge environment that will shape the future of policing in the nation.

The Government of Guyana, alongside the Ministry of Home Affairs and the GPF, is committed to seeing this flagship project through to completion, ensuring that the Guyana Police Force remains at the forefront of law enforcement excellence.

Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’ Mr Errol Watts; Head of Strategic Implementation Unit for Police Reform, Woman Superintendent Nicola Kendall; Director of the GPF Academy, Woman Superintendent Sonia Herbert; Head of the Tactical Services Unit, Superintendent Brian Lowenfield, along with engineers and personnel from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Contractors, were also present at the simple handing over ceremony.

This modernisation effort is aligned with global best practices in law enforcement. It aims to ensure that the Guyana Police Force is equipped to meet the evolving demands of public safety and security in Guyana. (GPF)