— courtesy of overseas-based Guyanese group
EFFORTS of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to assist ranks to become computer-literate have been significantly boosted through collaboration between the GPF and Zara Reality Holdings, a group of overseas-based Guyanese. Yesterday saw the commissioning of a state-of-the-art computer centre at the Felix Austin Police College’s “B” Division at Adventure on the Corentyne Coast in East Berbice.
Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee graced the event with his presence, and delivered the feature address, in which he firstly congratulated the team of Zara Reality Holdings members, including leader J. Sobhraj, by stating that the quality of the members of the GPF would be enhanced by way of becoming computer literate, and the GPF would greatly benefit from the state-of-the-art computer centre gifted by the overseas-based group.
Rohee noted that, with the facility, ranks will inherit modern technology in crime prevention and detection, as the modern day so requires; they will be trained, and as such, can prevent Cyber crimes, as information technology plays an integral part in solving crimes the world over.
Rohee added that with the opening of the computer centre, the Community Policing Groups (CPGs) in Berbice will benefit, as well as the community, because the centre will foster a greater working relationship between the community and the police. He deemed the development an upward movement for the GPF.
The minister stated that information technology has become a major factor worldwide, and is critical to any law enforcement agency. Accordingly, ranks of the GPF need to be equipped with computer literacy.
He also spoke about the successes of the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) initiative, which was started four years ago by the Government of Guyana, in ensuring that every family has access to information and also become computer literate.
Rohee told the gathering yesterday that he attended the Regional Cyber Security Crime Strategy meeting overseas, and Guyana was asked to assist in formulating a Cyber Crime Unit, which has been established at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA).
He said that transnational organised crimes have no boundaries, and Guyana must be prepared to train its law enforcement officers to recognise this crime, which is widespread, so it does not jeopardize our national security system.
Newly-appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police (Acting), Leroy Brumell, also spoke at the ceremony. He transferred Assistant Police Superintendent, Bacchus on the spot to undertake the daily operations of the new computer centre. He also urged the community to continue partnering with the police to solve crimes, and to volunteer information when necessary. He added that the opening of the computer centre at the location is also part of the institutional modernisation of the GPF, of which Zara Reality Holdings played a vital part.
In brief remarks, newly-appointed Deputy Assistant Commissioner (Law Enforcement), Seelall Persaud spoke of his interaction with Zara Reality Holdings, and their work with the GPF in making the opening of the computer centre a reality yesterday.
He explained that the world has become digital, and that partners in the transnational organised criminal network have been using information technology to their advantage, and have so far exploited the system; therefore, the intention of the GPF is to sustain the information technology platform, so that ranks can be trained in analysis, deployment, and policy decisions, besides having access to information readily.
Persaud added that the computer centre will facilitate the youth and Scout groups and the Adult Education Programme and neighbouring schools will be used on a daily basis to meet the objectives of the donor group and the police at the same time.
He pointed out that the computer centre will also be used by members of the community, in an effort to create a stable environment for people’s development in public security, which will benefit youths.
However, he appealed to the youths to tap into the opportunities the GPF offers in order to make themselves marketable, so that they can compete at an international level as it relates to security.
Also making remarks were IT Specialist, Nardeo Singh and J. Sobhraj of Zara Reality Holdings.
There was a presentation of high commendation to both of the men, as well as to Minister Rohee, Police Commissioner, Brumell and Deputy Commissioner, Seelall Persaud by several students of the Hindu school in Berbice, who were instrumental in setting up the computers.
The ceremony also had prayers, musical interludes, and renditions by the GPF Band. The computer centre is fully air-conditioned, with more than 30 computers.