AS Men on Mission marks its fourth anniversary, Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, has called for the initiative to deepen its efforts to change the behaviour of men and boys and expand its reach across all 10 administrative regions.
Hicken said the initiative was established to encourage men to become better fathers, positive role models and responsible members of their communities, while helping young boys develop the capacity to become future leaders.
“The idea is to change behaviour among men and youths and ensure that we understand the importance of being positive role models for children,” the Police Commissioner said.
He recalled that when the initiative was launched, the heads of the Joint Services were required to make presentations, following which approximately 200 participants were mobilised.
“I remembered when the initiative was launched, the heads of the joint services had to go and do a presentation and coming out of that presentation, we had about 200 and something people on the ground,” he said.
According to him, the Joint Services subsequently worked alongside those managing the initiative to engage men in various communities and encourage positive changes in their lives.
He said the focus was not only on helping men become better fathers but also on ensuring that boys received the guidance and support necessary to fulfil their potential.
Hicken said, “They started moving across areas to ensure that men, first of all, change their life from where they used to be to be better fathers.”
He added that young boys must also be developed to recognise their potential and prepare themselves for leadership.
The Top Cop added, “The youngsters in terms of boys. They develop capacity with the full potential to ensure they are leaders of tomorrow.”
Hicken acknowledged the importance of expanding the initiative beyond individual communities, noting that Guyana has 10 administrative regions. “That could not have been done from an isolated area. We have 10 administrative regions,” he said.
“We are moving this from boundaries to boundaries.”
Men on Mission was launched by President Dr Irfaan Ali in October 2022 to encourage men to assume greater responsibility in their families and communities.
The initiative seeks to address social challenges affecting men and boys, including domestic violence, drug abuse, gang violence and the absence of positive male role models.
Its activities include mentorship, counselling, youth empowerment, vocational training, community outreach and humanitarian assistance, including housing support for vulnerable families. The programme operates under the Office of the President and receives support from members of the Joint Services, government agencies, volunteers and private-sector partners.
The initiative has continued to receive increased financial support from the government, with its budgetary allocation rising steadily from $500 million in 2023 and 2024 to $700 million in 2025 and a further $900 million in 2026.
The programme has also expanded its housing assistance, with the National Coordinator reporting in June 2026 that 166 homes had been completed for vulnerable families.
The initiative has also extended housing assistance through the distribution of building materials to hundreds of beneficiaries. A total of 54 persons received such support in 2024, increasing significantly to 303 in 2025, while another 50 persons have benefitted so far in 2026.
National Coordinator of the Men on Mission Initiative, Lieutenant Colonel Bhageshwar Murli, said in an earlier interview this year that the programme has grown into a nationwide movement aimed at transforming lives and building stronger communities.
“Men on Mission has grown tremendously since its launch and continues to expand across all ten administrative regions. What started as a small initiative has now become a nationwide movement involving volunteers, professionals, members of the joint services, private sector partners and ordinary citizens who are passionate about community development,” Lieutenant Colonel Murli stated.