Georgetown : The Security Sector Reform Action Plan is being advanced. Following a meeting between President David Granger and Britain’s Prime Minister, David Cameron, an agreement was reached for the programme to finally go ahead. This was disclosed by Minister of Public Security and Vice President, Khemraj Ramjattan.
The Minister said that due to the objections raised by the previous PPP/C Government, the programme was shelved. “It would appear that the Government of Britain wants that thing to go on now because they see in the new administration a different approach.” Ramjattan told GINA. He added that a new assessment of needs will be undertaken as several years have passed since the programme was due to be initiated some eight years ago.
The needs assessment is being undertaken by the Olive Group that has been contracted by the UK Government.
Ramjattan explained that interviews have already been conducted with him, several other ministers and officials in the sector including the Police Commissioner, Prison Authorities, and key Judiciary members. “They have even asked how we can have a better parole system,” Ramjattan said.
He said the process is to be completed soon and the Olive Group will advise on how the money allocated by the UK, over the five year duration, 2017 to 2022 should be spent.
The Security Sector Reform Action Plan is welcomed by the Government. “We would really love to have that kind of support from the British and we know that we are getting support from others such as the Americans, the European Union, and Canada through the Justice Education Society -training our police men and women and so on,” the security minister noted.
The Security Sector Reform Action Plan (SSRAP), a US$4.7 billion programme was scrapped by the UK some years ago after major disagreements with the then Bharrat Jagdeo PPP/C Government over some of the conditions of the plan. Some of the conditions would have seen UK Officers working closely with local counterparts and giving advice on critical issues.
