“Business as usual” over as GPF urged to lead nation’s security transformation

The nation’s rapid economic rise must be matched by a relentless evolution in law enforcement, according to Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond, who delivered remarks on the opening day of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Annual Officers’ Conference on Wednesday.
Walrond made it clear that “business as usual” is no longer an option for a country on a steep developmental trajectory, while acknowledging the “unprecedented national change” sweeping across the country.

From widened infrastructure to a rising international profile, she noted that Guyana’s successes bring new complexities. “We must be honest: growth without security becomes vulnerability,” the Minister declared.
“Development without order becomes instability. National transformation without disciplined, professional enforcement opens doors to organised crime, trafficking networks, corruption, and cyber threats,” she added.
To counter these threats, she outlined a strategic shift for the Force, moving from reactive responses to a model defined by five core actions: Anticipate, Prevent, Deter, Enforce, and Protect.
A central theme of the Minister’s presentation was the integration of cutting-edge technology, which includes the “Safe City” and “Safe Country” initiatives, pointing to an end to the era of lax enforcement on the country’s roadways.
“The era of lax enforcement ends,” Minister Walrond warned. “Automated systems will be used. Road deaths must come down. That is not negotiable.”
While technology was a highlight, she emphasised that the most decisive asset of the GPF remains its human resources. She further linked individual integrity directly to the stability of the state, noting that when trust between the police and citizens breaks, national security is compromised.

“The most decisive asset of the Guyana Police Force is not technology or equipment; it is the professionalism, discipline, competence, and integrity of the men and women who wear the uniform. Professionalism is national security.”
Along those lines, the Minister set a “Zero Tolerance” standard for 2026, targeting corruption, bribery, and abuse of power. She urged officers to lead by example, noting that leadership development is a top priority for all ranks this year.
As the conference continues, the focus remains on the “Strategic Framework” for 2026. This includes the completion of the state-of-the-art Brickdam Police Station and the decentralisation of services like passport processing to ensure every citizen, regardless of location, feels the presence of a modern, responsive state.
The Minister concluded her charge by reminding the officers that they are the guardians of Guyana’s future. The message was clear: as the nation transforms, the Force must not just keep up; it must lead the way.