Den Amstel Police Station recommissioned to strengthen security infrastructure

– new Sans Souci Police Station at Wakenaam also commissioned

The Government of Guyana has officially commissioned the newly reconstructed Den Amstel Police Station in Region Three (Essequibo Island- West Demerara), marking another milestone in its ongoing campaign to modernise the country’s public safety infrastructure.

The commissioning ceremony held on Saturday, was attended by several high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Guyana Police Force (GPF). Leading the proceedings was Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, along with Permanent Secretary (PS) Andre Ally, Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’ Errol Watts, Regional Commander #3, Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Siwnarine, and Deputy Commander, Senior Superintendent Kevin Das.
Rebuilt at a cost of $171 million the upgraded facility represents a significant improvement from the previous station, which had long operated under substandard conditions. It now stands as a modern, fully equipped police outpost designed to support more effective policing and deliver improved services to the public.

The station is outfitted with Male, Female, and Juvenile lockups, as well as critical operational spaces such as a Witness and ID Parade Room, Armoury and Evidence Room. Community-sensitive features have also been included, such as a Child-Friendly Interview Area, a dedicated Domestic Violence Interview and Waiting Area, and a public Enquiries Section to facilitate engagement with citizens.
Operational functionality has been greatly enhanced with the addition of offices for the Officer-in-Charge (OC), the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and the Traffic Department. One standout feature of the new facility is the inclusion of a ZARA Computer School; a progressive initiative aimed at developing digital literacy and engaging youth through technology within a law enforcement environment.

The station also includes residential quarters for both senior and junior ranks, a move that is expected to improve the response time to incidents and foster a more cohesive policing team in the area.

The recommissioning of the Den Amstel Police Station is part of a wider national effort by the Ministry of Home Affairs to revamp outdated police facilities, particularly in fast-growing regions like Region Three.
Just a week ago, the Ministry of Home Affairs commissioned the newly constructed Mabaruma Police Divisional Headquarters building in Region One (Barima -Waini). That building was valued at just over $213 million, the Ministry stated.
Sans Souci Police Station
A new Sans Souci Police Station at Wakenaam in Region Three was also commissioned Saturday by Minister Benn and officials. Reconstructed at a cost of over $130 million, it was described as the fifth and final police station (and one fire station) to be upgraded in the region. The island’s new facility follows the same blueprint as its counterparts: male, female and juvenile lockups; witness and ID parade room, Evidence room and armoury; a child-friendly interview area, domestic violence interview, and waiting area.

Additionally, the reconstructed building also houses offices for the CID, Traffic Office and office for the OC, as well as living quarters for senior and junior ranks.
The Minister and PS also donated sports equipment and helmets to the region.
Together, these investments are transforming the region’s emergency response landscape, providing communities with faster, more reliable access to critical services and are part of the Government’s ongoing regional security modernisation plans.