THE Home Affairs Ministry yesterday inked a contract with the Director of ‘The Emergence Group’ (TEG) from Washington for the provision of consultancy service for the establishment of a SWAT Unit for the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

Cabinet recently approved the formation of this unit aimed at strengthening the force’s law enforcement capabilities.
Speaking at the signing ceremony at his Brickdam Office, Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee said that this initiative was long in the making. He noted too, the comments and public opinions, both negative and positive, with regard to this move since the initial announcement earlier this month.
He said that some critics seem to think that his removal from the office which he currently holds is the only solution to the crime situation. However, he reaffirmed that as long as he is tasked with the responsibility of the Home Affairs Ministry by the president, no effort will be spared to ensure that criminal elements are brought to justice.
Meanwhile, TEG’s Director, Ambassador Dennis Hayes, reminded that his company worked with the GPF a few years ago, and explained that this particular area is one in which his company has a great deal of expertise.
TEG designs and implements world class law enforcement and justice sector reform programmes around the world. The company partners with governments and international donors to strengthen civilian security institutions. It has successfully implemented projects in the Middle East, Central Asia, and South America.
Ambassador Hayes said that already the company has put together a highly qualified team that will be coming to Guyana shortly to make an assessment of the existing capabilities and equipment in order to develop a Guyanese-specific programme.
This would involve intense training and mentoring to develop this component of the GPF that would be better prepared to deal with serious issues.
“The end goal is to have capability that the commissioner can call upon when needed to deal with a difficult situation. He will know that he has officers with the training, temperament, and expertise to apply critical judgment in a difficult situation,” he said.
Commissioner of Police Leroy Brumell said that the force welcomes the addition of this unit which should be in place by next August.