Georgetown: Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn told the country’s private security heads that there has been a dramatic increase in the demand for private security services to bolster Guyana’s security architecture, particularly at a time where there is pressure to curb criminal activities.
Minister Benn met with the private security heads at a meeting held at the Officers’ Training Centre on Monday.
The meeting was facilitated to identify issues and concerns as the Guyana Police Force embraces collaboration through structure and developmental processes of reaching higher standards.
“We do not want what is seemingly a militarized country, and I want us to be reminded of the risk and the danger the improper use of a firearm represents; we do not want a posture that is aggressive and intimidating”, Benn said.
The Home Affairs Minister was alluding to the instances where security firms would have their ranks on duty exposing large arms.
Benn noted that this creates a hostile situation with civil society and can have negative implications for Guyana’s tourism, as well as the general safety of citizens.
He further highlighted the importance of professionalism. “We don’t want weapons lost” noting those firms whose employees have lost weapons may be suspended pending the outcome of an investigation into the loss of those weapons.
“The bottom line is that they must be well trained, the bottom line is that they must be properly looked after to be alert to the do the job which earns money for you,” he said.
He continued: “I believe that many of you who are running security services are professionals in the area. I believe that many of you have the knowledge and expertise with respect to training, behavior and culture with respect to the use of firearms; I want you all to impart that knowledge to the persons you have under your employ, the duty and responsibility resides with you to ensure that you run your services professionally and to make sure that the persons you employ do so in a professional manner so as to mitigate risks.”
At the conclusion of the meeting, Minister Benn commended the initiative of Deputy Commissioner (ag) Clifton Hicken, and his team for a well-organized initiative of which he (Hicken) also made a presentation.
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