NTC 2025: More efforts underway to enhance security in every community
Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn
Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn

– says Minister Benn

ON the second day of the 2025 National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference, Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, addressed pressing matters of national security, community safety, and inclusive development, reaffirming the government’s steadfast commitment to ensuring peace and prosperity in all communities across Guyana.

In a powerful presentation, Minister Benn emphasised the importance of building a more diverse and community-aligned security sector. He highlighted the recent recruitment of Indigenous men and women into the Guyana Police Force as a progressive step toward fostering greater empathy, understanding, and representation in policing.

“Effective law enforcement must reflect the communities it serves,” Minister Benn told the gathering of toshaos and stakeholders, noting that such inclusion is vital for national unity and public trust.

He also spoke on the government’s continuing expansion of Community Policing Groups (CPGs) and the integration of technology and intelligence to enhance national sovereignty and public safety. Particular attention was given to recent efforts to equip interior communities with vital firefighting and emergency-response tools, a move designed to strengthen resilience in hard-to-reach areas.

Minister Benn further acknowledged the challenges faced by remote communities, especially regarding domestic violence and substance abuse. He outlined plans to improve support systems for victims of violence and stressed the importance of holistic interventions to counter social isolation.

On the economic front, the minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to fostering sustainable livelihoods through access to education, skills training, and the development of micro-industries. He also announced plans for a new youth training centre to prepare Indigenous youth for employment in emerging sectors.

In a significant announcement for agricultural communities, Minister Benn revealed that a team is present at the NTC conference to facilitate the application process for shotgun licences. These licences aim to assist farmers in protecting their crops and livestock, thereby strengthening local food security. He encouraged all toshaos to guide their communities with environmental awareness and responsibility.

Minister Benn concluded with a call for unity in the pursuit of national development:
“Development will not be optimised without security. We must all work together to improve safety, ensure opportunity, and increase peace in Guyana.”

The NTC Conference continues to serve as a platform for open dialogue between Indigenous leaders and government officials, shaping policies that promote equitable and sustainable development across Guyana’s hinterland and Indigenous communities.

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