– command Operation Region Five facility also commissioned

THE Government of Guyana has strengthened its push to modernise national security with the opening of the newly rebuilt Mahaicony Police Station, a G$111.8 million investment designed to bring state-of-the-art facilities to Region Five.

Leading Tuesday’s commissioning ceremony, Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn emphasised that modern infrastructure is vital to restoring public confidence in law enforcement and enhancing safety within communities.

Accompanying Minister Benn at the commissioning ceremony were Permanent Secretary Mr. Andre Ally, Deputy Commissioner of ‘Operations’ Mr. Errol Watts, Regional Division #5 Commander Senior Superintendent Lonsdale Withrite, Deputy Commander Superintendent Taylor, several senior and junior officers, Head of the Community Policing Group (CPG) Mr. Reshi Das, members of the CPG, neighbourhood policing representatives, a team from the Ministry of Home Affairs, and other special invitees.
The Mahaicony Police Station is outfitted with state-of-the-art amenities, similar to other recently commissioned facilities nationwide. The upgrades are designed to improve operational efficiency, support proactive policing strategies, and strengthen community engagement in law enforcement.

Minister Benn noted the importance of modern infrastructure in building public confidence and improving policing outcomes, stating:
“This is a tremendous improvement, not only for Region Five itself, but for our law enforcement infrastructure across the country. These investments reflect our commitment to better serve and protect our citizens.”

As part of the broader security enhancement programme, Minister Benn also commissioned the Command Operation Region Five Facility, at a cost of G$78,482,944. This operational hub will improve coordination among law enforcement agencies and strengthen response capabilities across the region.
Additionally, the Command Operations is part of the Government’s Safe City to Safe Country Project, bringing advanced surveillance technologies and monitoring systems to Region Five. This will boost crime prevention, improve investigative capacities, and ensure safer communities through real-time surveillance and better information-sharing among security agencies. Minister Benn emphasised:

“Through the Safe City to Safe Country Project, we are bringing advanced technologies into our policing strategy. This is about improving security, strengthening investigations, and ensuring safer communities for all Guyanese.”

Permanent Secretary Mr. Andre Ally commended the significant investments made to better equip and support law enforcement officers:
“We are putting the infrastructure in place and providing you with the tools, equipment, and technology necessary to perform your duties effectively. Our goal is to create an environment that supports better policing and delivers better results.”

He also highlighted the importance of timely project delivery, adding:
“The faster we complete these projects, the sooner the people of Guyana can benefit. That is why the Ministry of Home Affairs continues to drive these developments aggressively and deliver them on schedule.”

PS Ally further urged officers to take pride in their work and continuously strive for excellence:
“We want you to be proud of these facilities and the work you do here. Years from now, we want the public to remember you for the professionalism, dedication, and service you demonstrated in this community.”

Deputy Commissioner of ‘Operations’ Mr. Errol Watts reflected on the transformation of the Mahaicony Police Station and its significance for law enforcement and the community:
“Fifteen years ago, this was an old wooden structure, dilapidated and unsafe. Today, we are commissioning a magnificent edifice that represents progress, safety, and a renewed commitment to effective policing.”

He also urged officers to uphold high standards of professionalism and public service:
“This beautiful building and the resources provided must be matched by excellent service. Every member of the public who enters this station should leave feeling respected and satisfied. We serve the people — we are their servants, not their masters.”

Minister Benn stressed that upgrading infrastructure must go hand-in-hand with reforming policing culture to build trust between law enforcement and citizens:
“We are not just commissioning new police stations; we are building a new policing culture. The way we speak to the public, the way we interact with each other, and the standards we uphold must reflect professionalism, respect, and service.”

He also underscored the critical role of policing in Guyana’s broader development agenda:
“The work of policing is central to building our national character and securing our future. We cannot achieve development or deliver on the promises we’ve made without safety, security, and trust in law enforcement.

To date, five capital projects have been completed in Region Five, with three additional projects currently underway. These sustained investments reflect the government’s unwavering commitment to improving public security and building a safer Guyana.