Govt to invest $100.3B in modern security sector in 2026

– Marine Fire Station among several planned constructions

The Guyana Government will invest a record $100.3 billion in 2026 to further build out a modern, robust, well-equipped and technology-driven security sector, marking a significant increase from the $94.6 billion expended in 2025. The investment will support wide-ranging upgrades across the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Guyana Fire Service (GFS) and Guyana Prison Service (GPS), with a focus on infrastructure expansion, acquisition of modern assets, improved mobility, technology integration and enhanced training. Of the total allocation, $36.2 billion is earmarked for the GPF, $6.3 billion for the GFS, and $6 billion for the GPS.

GPF
The Government continues to advance its vision of a modern Police Force capable of intelligence-driven, technology-based and citizen-friendly policing, aimed at earning public confidence and ensuring safe communities. In 2025, $4.7 billion was expended on the construction, reconstruction and upgrading of critical security infrastructure, including the completion of 10 police stations, boat houses and living quarters. For 2026, $3.6 billion has been budgeted to further enhance the GPF’s infrastructural capacity. This includes $1.2 billion to advance construction of the Brickdam Police Station; 475.7 million to complete 11 additional police stations at Anna Regina, Bonasika, Leguan, Alberttown, Beterverwagting, East La Penitence, Sisters, Orealla, Ituni, Kwakwani and Mabura; and $139.8 million to advance works on a modern police training academy campus at Dora. Since returning to office in 2020, the Government has strengthened the operational capacity of the GPF through the acquisition of transport assets. In 2025, the Force incorporated the use of 5,000 body cameras, enhancing service delivery and providing digital audio and video evidence for criminal, civil and traffic matters. Over the next five years, police presence will be substantially expanded across all communities, alongside the design of an automated fleet management system to improve responsiveness. To support these efforts, an additional $900 million is budgeted in 2026 to expand the Force’s transport capabilities. In 2025, $6.2 billion was spent to expand investigative and surveillance capabilities under the Safe Country Initiative. To date, 781 Intelligent Video Surveillance (IVS) sites have been completed in priority areas across Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10, proving instrumental in crime detection and enhancing public safety. For 2026, a further $5 billion has been earmarked to continue the initiative. The Government has also strengthened its community policing approach by equipping more than 400 policing groups nationwide. In 2025, $182.6 million was spent to support this effort, including the formation of 40 new groups. In 2026, community policing networks will continue to expand, supported by digital platforms, institutional engagements and multi-stakeholder partnerships. A total of $245.8 million has been budgeted for this purpose. Since 2020, significant investments have been made to enhance training and professionalism within the GPF. In 2025, $240 million was spent to train nearly 4,000 ranks. In 2026, $250 million has been allocated for the training of 5,000 ranks, alongside initiatives to strengthen supervisory and accountability practices through a merit-based performance assessment system.

GPS
In 2025, $2.1 billion was spent on completing the Lusignan Prison headquarters, including a cell block, female prison and fire suppression system, as well as upgrades to facilities at the Mazaruni and New Amsterdam prisons. For 2026, $1.5 billion has been allocated for further prison infrastructure upgrades. Training remains a priority, with a focus on inmate rehabilitation, vocational skills and behavioural programmes. To date, more than 1,300 inmates have been trained in areas such as block making, carpentry and stress management, while 361 officers received training in prison management practices. In 2026, advanced prison management and human rights training will be conducted for 400 officers, and 1,500 inmates will receive training to support reintegration into society. A total of $141.8 million has been budgeted for training.

GFS
The GFS continues to benefit from unprecedented investments aimed at strengthening national firefighting capabilities, improving emergency response times and reducing human and economic losses. In 2025, five new fire stations were completed at Charity, Parika, Diamond, Soesdyke and Wisroc, along with upgrades to existing facilities and living quarters. In 2026, infrastructural investments will include the completion and commissioning of seven fire stations at Onderneeming, Campbellville, Ruimveldt, Timehri, Mahaicony and Tarlogie, as well as construction of the Rosignol and No. 38 Village fire stations and a Marine Fire Station in Port Georgetown. A total of $1.1 billion is budgeted for infrastructure.
In terms of equipment, $527.9 million was spent in 2025 to procure a crash tender, three ambulances, two water tenders, five all-terrain water tenders and a breathing apparatus refilling vehicle. For 2026, $1.6 billion has been earmarked for additional equipment, including two airport firefighting vehicles, four water tenders and two water bowsers. Additionally, $503.1 million was expended in 2025 toward procurement of more than 430 fire hydrants, with a further $250 million budgeted for hydrant procurement in 2026. Training also continues, with $47 million spent in 2025 to train 91 ranks. In 2026, $50 million has been allocated for training in basic and advanced firefighting techniques.