Govt to invest in drone technology to boost security – Pres Ali

…AI-driven threat detection systems to also be rolled out

In order to improve the local security sector including border defence, the Guyana Government will be investing in drone technology and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven threat detection systems.
Making this revelation was President Dr Irfaan Ali, during his address to the nation in observance of the country’s 59th Independence Anniversary celebrations. According to the Head of State, technology will play key rolls in beefing up Guyana’s security systems.
“The national security transformation will see technology driving our security architecture. Satellite, radar, drone technology, AI-driven threat detection and intelligence analysis,” the President said.
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) have already initiated the use of drones to boost security. The agencies initiated a joint operation called ‘Eyes in the Sky’ which involved the use of drones to boost security presence in the city.
This operation involves the use of drones, which may be seen flying low in some areas. In April 2024, it had been announced that ‘Eyes in the Sky” would run for one month, during which time, there would be an increased Police presence. Roadblocks, stop-and-search exercises, traffic enforcement, roving patrols, and raids will be conducted.
The Government has also been rolling out its ‘Safe Country’ initiative. In this year’s budget, a sum of $108.7 billion was allocated to strengthen public safety and security in 2025. It had been announced that this funding would go towards a variety of initiatives, including the construction of new police stations and outposts; and the continuation of the development of the state-of-the-art Brickdam Police Station.
As part of the Government’s push to modernise policing, $6.2 billion was allocated for the continuation of the Safe Country Initiative, which is designed to improve crime detection and prevention through technology.
Already, the initiative has seen the completion of over 400 Intelligent Video Surveillance (IVS) sites across Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, and 10, with 320 additional IVS sites planned for 2025.
Border security
Meanwhile, President Ali also affirmed during the flag raising ceremony that Guyana’s investment in its security sector is intended to safeguard its people and resources. The President further noted that investments in the security sector will focus on enhanced border security.
“We are not aggressors. We are protectors. But let no one mistake our peacefulness for weakness. If our sovereignty is challenged, if our land is threatened, we shall rise as One Nation, One People, One Destiny. We shall rise not in fear, but in fierce loyalty to the land that gave us birth and which we love unconditionally,” he emphasised.

“Greater presence at our border through technology and human assets, investments in maritime, aerial and terrestrial assets, enabling confidence and trust in the security system… we shall defend this nation with every beat of our hearts, every muscle in our bodies, every fibre of our souls. We will never waver, never falter, never surrender,” he also said.
Ali had also spoken about the rolling out of digital solutions for traffic safety, digitised case management, cyber resilience and building human capital. The President added that these measures must be implemented under circumstances and conditions through which the country’s security architecture is more service-oriented and community-led.
“All of this will be done whilst empowering our men and women in uniform, giving them more benefits. Building our human capital is giving them a good standard of living and good access to training opportunities also,” he noted, adding that the Government will be leveraging its regional partnerships in CARICOM, South America and SOUTHCOM in order to tackle crime.
Following President Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s address, the GDFS Shahoud embarked on a maritime patrol of the nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The GDF noted that this operation, termed the “Independence Sail,” serves as a timely symbol of national sovereignty and an ongoing commitment to the protection of Guyana’s maritime boundaries.