The Government of Guyana has officially commissioned the newly constructed Regional Police Division Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) Headquarters, marking a significant step in strengthening law enforcement capacity in the hinterland.
The commissioning ceremony was held on Saturday and was presided over by Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn. He was joined by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Andre Ally; Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations,’ Errol Watts; Commander of Regional Division Seven, Dion Moore; Deputy Commander, Superintendent D. Handy; as well as senior and junior officers of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and other guests.
The commissioning of Regional Police Division #7 (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) Headquarters
The facility, which was built at a cost of $225,824,943, is described as a state-of-the-art headquarters designed to improve operational efficiency, enhance investigative capabilities, and deliver improved policing services to the people of Region Seven.
The building houses a range of specialised offices and functional areas, including the Traffic Office, Special Constabulary Office, Certifying Officer’s Office, Community Policing Group Office, Human Resources Office, Data Room, Lunch Room, Waiting Area, Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Offices, Special Branch Offices, Operational Room, Conference Room, Finance Office, Commander’s Office and Registry, Deputy Commander’s Office and the Court Superintendent’s Office and Registry. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, each section of the headquarters was purpose-built to allow the GPF to better coordinate operations, strengthen administrative systems, and provide timely and effective law enforcement across the division. Region Seven, which plays a key role in Guyana’s economic development, particularly in mining and commerce, previously lacked a policing facility of this scale. Authorities said this posed significant challenges in meeting the security needs of its vast and rugged terrain.
The commissioning of the new headquarters is expected to address these challenges by improving working conditions for officers and modernising policing infrastructure in the hinterland. The Ministry stated that the facility will serve as the central hub for law enforcement activities in the region, allowing for more responsive, professional and community-oriented policing. This investment, it added, is in keeping with the Government’s commitment to ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their location, benefit from effective safety and security services.
The project forms part of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ strategic vision to equip the GPF with modern resources, enhance its presence in remote areas, and ensure that security services remain equitable across the country.
Nationwide reconstruction of police infrastructure
Only a week ago, the Ministry of Home Affairs commissioned two newly reconstructed police stations at Sparendaam and Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD) valued at a total of $255.9 million. The Sparendaam facility cost $112.4 million, while the Mahaica station cost $143.5 million.
Both stations feature upgraded infrastructure, including witness and identification parade rooms, armouries, evidence rooms, child-friendly areas, domestic violence interview spaces, traffic and Criminal Investigation Department (CID) offices, living quarters for senior and junior ranks, and male lock-ups.
The Mahaica station additionally includes female and juvenile lock-ups, as well as a ZARA Computer Centre. The GPF reported that the new facilities will enhance crime reduction efforts, service delivery, and the handling of gender-based violence and juvenile cases in private, secure settings. The commissioning coincides with a reported 24 per cent decrease in serious crimes in the Division.
In addition, a $25 million Police Living Quarters was opened at Cove and John to improve officer welfare, providing accommodation with three bedrooms, a kitchen, laundry and living space. The Home Affairs Ministry said these developments are part of a broader strategy to modernise the Force’s infrastructure, improve working and living conditions for officers, and strengthen public trust in law enforcement.
The Ministry stated that the facility will serve as the central hub for law enforcement activities in the region, allowing for more responsive, professional and community-oriented policing. This investment, it added, is in keeping with the Government’s commitment to ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their location, benefit from effective safety and security services.
