-focuses on advanced technology, training and community engagement in policing

-police force to procure diverse range of vehicles

A SIGNIFICANT $108.7 billion has been earmarked for the security sector in Budget 2025, as announced by Dr Ashni Singh, Senior Minister for Finance and the Public Service, during his National Assembly presentation on Monday.

Dr Singh highlighted that in 2024, $5.2 billion was invested in infrastructural works, including the construction of a state-of-the-art 12-storey Brickdam Police Station. He noted that efforts have also been made to construct, reconstruct, rehabilitate, and maintain various facilities, including police stations, living quarters, barracks, and divisional headquarters.

For 2025, a budget of $4.7 billion has been allocated to address the infrastructural needs of the police force. This includes $1.7 billion designated for the ongoing construction of the Brickdam Police Station and $1 billion for the completion of several police stations and posts across regions such as Imbotero, Bonasika, Leguan, San Souci, and others. Additionally, $597 million has been allocated for a modern police training academy at Dora, along with upgrades to multiple police stations.

To enhance the mobility and responsiveness of the police force, Dr Singh outlined the procurement of a diverse range of vehicles, which includes 169 motorcycles, 163 pickups, and 104 additional vehicles. An additional $2 billion is budgeted in 2025 to further expand the force’s transport fleet.
The minister emphasised the importance of community policing, revealing that 445 community policing groups have been established since 2020, with over 8,300 members. A budget of $156.6 million in 2025 is allocated for the formation of 45 more community policing groups to strengthen ties between law enforcement and residents.

Dr Singh also discussed the Safe Country Initiative, which aims to leverage advanced technology for crime detection. In 2024, $2.2 billion was spent to enhance investigative and surveillance capabilities, and for 2025, an additional $6.2 billion is allocated for the initiative, including the establishment of 320 new Intelligent Video Surveillance (IVS) sites.

Training remains a critical focus, with over 9,000 police ranks receiving skills training to improve their capabilities in crime prevention and investigation. A budget of $250 million is set for specialised training in 2025, including partnerships with international law enforcement agencies.
In addressing the Guyana Prison Service, Dr Singh reported on the government’s commitment to reform the prison system through infrastructural upgrades and educational programmes. Over the past four years, significant investments have been made in facilities, training for officers and inmates and programmes aimed at reducing recidivism.

The Guyana Fire Service also received attention, with a commitment to upgrade equipment and infrastructure. In 2025, seven new fire stations will be completed, alongside training for 400 ranks to enhance emergency-response capabilities.

In summary, the government’s investment of $108.7 billion in Budget 2025 reflects its dedication to enhancing national security through improved infrastructure, community engagement, advanced technology, and robust training programmes across the security sector.