Georgetown: “The safety of citizens, the security of the state and the stability of the economy are the Government’s paramount concern,” President David Granger said Thursday morning when he attended the opening ceremony of the Guyana Police Force’s Police Officers’ conference which was held at the Baridi Benab, State House.
This year marks the 180th anniversary of the Guyana Police Force.
The annual conference which concludes on Saturday is themed, “Security sector reform implementation- enhancing capacity through training, infrastructure and human resource management.”
In his address, President Granger said that citizens need to feel safe, secure and stable as they go about their everyday business without fear.
“It protects citizens and their property and ensures and enabling environment for leisure and lawful economic activities,” he stated.
Guyana, the President said, cannot fulfill its potential as a peaceful and prosperous nation unless it is secure and stable. Security and stability can be guaranteed best by a strong police force.
Additionally, the Head of State assured that security sector reform is being pursued.
The Police Force has embarked on a programme of security sector reform aimed at providing increased security for citizens by improving its crime-fighting and law-enforcement capabilities.
“Security sector reform is aimed at improving public trust and confidence, developing a stronger organization, boosting the Force’s intelligence, response and investigative capabilities and producing a more versatile police officer,” President Granger added.
As such, the President said security sector reform, must be accelerated to strengthen this vital national institution in 2019.
Security sector reform will:
– revise the Force’s institutional framework.
– address the problems of chronic under-funding, lack of adequate planning and the low standards identified in the ‘Combe Report’;
– reverse the Force’s record of poor maintenance and the abuse of its moveable and immoveable assets.
– pay greater attention to the selection and training of its constables and cadets;
– enhance the welfare of its constables and subordinate officers by improving the conditions under which some constables live and work;
– ensure promotions are based on hard work, honesty and merit.
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