Home Affairs Minister Robson Benn on Tuesday, commissioned seven projects across Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), totalling $603 million.
Minister Benn said the projects underscored the Government’s commitment to strengthening law enforcement, enhancing public safety, and improving policing services across Guyana.
Two of the projects were in Region Five: the Command Centre at Fort Wellington ($78.4 million) and the new Mahaicony Police Station building ($111.3 million), while the others were in Region Six: a boathouse at the New Amsterdam Ferry Stelling ($48 million), the new Central Police Station building ($228 million), the new Rose Hall Town Police Station ($70 million), living quarters at Skeldon ($46.4 million) and the Command Centre at Whim Police Station ($20.9 million).
The new police station buildings are outfitted with state-of-the-art amenities, similar to other recently commissioned facilities nationwide.
According to the Minister, the upgrades are designed to improve operational efficiency, support proactive policing strategies, and strengthen community engagement in law enforcement.
New police boathouse at New Amsterdam
Minister Benn noted the importance of modern infrastructure in building public confidence and improving policing outcomes, stating.
“This is a tremendous improvement, not only for Region Five itself, but for our law enforcement infrastructure across the country. These investments reflect our commitment to better serve and protect our citizens,” he said.
Apart from the three new police station buildings that were commissioned, of significant importance are the command centres in the two regions, which will serve as the operational hub and are expected to improve coordination among law enforcement agencies and strengthen response capabilities across the region.
Additionally, the Command Operations is part of the government’s Safe City to Safe Country Project, bringing advanced surveillance technologies and monitoring systems.
According to the minister, this will boost crime prevention, improve investigative capacities, and ensure safer communities through real-time surveillance and better information-sharing among security agencies.
“Through the Safe City to Safe Country Project, we are bringing advanced technologies into our policing strategy. This is about improving security, strengthening investigations, and ensuring safer communities for all Guyanese.”
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary in the Home Affairs Ministry Andre Ally commended the significant investments made to better equip and support law enforcement officers:
The new Mahaicony Police Station
“We are putting the infrastructure in place and providing you with the tools, equipment, and technology necessary to perform your duties effectively. Our goal is to create an environment that supports better policing and delivers better results. The faster we complete these projects, the sooner the people of Guyana can benefit. That is why the Ministry of Home Affairs continues to drive these developments aggressively and deliver them on schedule… We want you to be proud of these facilities and the work you do here. Years from now, we want the public to remember you for the professionalism, dedication, and service you demonstrated in this community.”
Deputy Commissioner of Operations Errol Watts, speaking at the ceremony at Central Police Station, praised the government for its commitment to improving law enforcement.
The new Central Police Station
He said all should be grateful for what the government has been doing as it relates to law enforcement.
“For providing the scarce resources in terms of cash for this building to be materialised, and I wish to thank – on behalf of the Commissioner personally and the ranks of the police force – Mr Benn, the PS and all [of] the engineering team…”
