THE government’s sustained investment in Guyana’s security sector since 2020 has significantly strengthened emergency response capabilities, particularly in hinterland and riverine communities, Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond said on Tuesday.
Addressing village leaders on the second day of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference 2026, the minister said the ongoing response to the MV Barima tragedy underscores the importance of building a modern, well-equipped security sector capable of protecting lives and serving communities.
“As the nation continues to mourn this tragic incident while the search and rescue efforts are ongoing, our thoughts and prayers are with the families, the communities that continue to bear this heavy weight, and indeed the entire nation is feeling the pain that our communities do,” Minister Walrond said.
Since 2020, the government has embarked on 20 major projects to strengthen security, emergency response and public safety across Regions One, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten.
The investments include eight new police stations, additional police outposts, boats, all-terrain vehicles, new boathouses, upgraded living quarters for police ranks, improvements to four fire service facilities, and the installation of 134 fire hydrants in hinterland communities, particularly near schools and public buildings.
The minister said these investments are aimed at bringing security services closer to citizens while improving operational readiness in remote communities.
“One of the major priorities of our administration is to bring security closer to the people so that citizens do not have to travel miles upon miles by road or waterway to access security services,” she stated.
Minister Walrond explained that the government has also expanded the Safe Country programme using surveillance technology, while increasing operational assets to improve response times and crime detection.
Community policing has also been strengthened through closer collaboration between the Guyana Police Force, toshaos and village councils.
According to the minister, the investments are already producing measurable results.
Guyana has recorded a reduction in serious crimes, while Region Seven has seen a 40 per cent reduction in traffic accidents, Region Nine has recorded no fatal traffic accidents, and Region Ten has reported a 29 per cent decline in fatal crashes.
Minister Walrond said security is fundamental to the development of hinterland communities, supporting education, agriculture, business, transportation and tourism.
“Security is about partnership and you, as our leaders, are our partners against crime. We will only succeed when our village councils, toshaos and communities continue working alongside our security agencies every day,” she told the village leaders. (DPI)