–with new police boat house, reconstructed wharf and station 

EMPHASISING that border communities are not edges of the country but the frontline of Guyana’s sovereignty, Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond along with residents and officials of Region One (Barima-Waini) welcomed the more than G$200 million investment for the reconstructed Imbotero Wharf, a new police boathouse, and the rebuilt Imbotero Police Station along the Barima River.

This investment forms part of the government’s strategy to reinforce law enforcement capacity and protect Guyana’s borders by significantly bolstering the security presence, according to minister Walrond at the ceremony.

The facilities will support expanded river patrols, improved monitoring along the Barima River corridor, and faster response to incidents in surrounding communities.

The commissioning reflected the government’s continued investment in strengthening security infrastructure and ensuring a strong state presence in hinterland and frontier regions.

Chairman of Region One Brentnol Ashley, welcomed the investment in the region.

He said that the community, which now hosts the new facilities, is a frontier community between Guyana and Venezuela, and providing such modern amenities for the joint services to safeguard Guyana’s sovereignty is “very beneficial to the people of Region One and to all Guyanese as a whole.”

With these new facilities, the chairman predicted continuous improvements when it comes to service delivery by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in Imbotero, as they are now benefitting from a more comfortable environment.

Additionally, Police Commander for Regional Division #1, Senior Superintendent Krishnadat Ramana said it will efficiently serve the region.

He noted that the community has been very peaceful, and the police has been ensuring that their service is of a high standard and pledged for this to be maintained.

Inspector-in-charge of the Imbotero Police Station, M. Sandy commended the government for the modern infrastructure.

He said that the new facilities will ensure that safety is boosted in the bordering community.

Further, Station Sergeant of the Imbotero Police Station, Walker spoke about how the new facilities provide comfortability and will result in the officers being able to work more efficiently.

He commended the government for the modern facilities.

Additionally, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Errol Watts said that the new facilities stand as testament to government’s commitment to infrastructure development.

“From 2020 to now, we have seen a lot of infrastructure being developed in Region One, including police stations, living quarters, boat houses,” he said, adding: “Indeed, government is very concerned about the welfare of our ranks, which we are also very grateful for.”

He commended minister Walrond for her continuous efforts in providing properly equipped facilities for officers so that they are in a state of readiness.

“So, thanks to the Government of Guyana for the investment in us, and we will ensure that we deliver the kind of service that are second to none, that the people of Guyana will benefit from,” he said.