GPF’s security command centre commissioned at Anna Regina

– part of $1.5B investment in modernising security sector

The Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, on Saturday officially commissioned the Anna Regina Guyana Police Force (GPF) Security Command Centre in Region Two (Pomeroon–Supenaam), marking another milestone in the administration’s push to modernise the country’s security infrastructure.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, Deputy Commander of Operation Errol Watts, Commander of Region Two Superintendent Khemraj Shivbaran, Engineers within the Ministry of Home Affairs, Permanent Secretary (PS) of Ministry of Home Affairs Andre Ally, senior police officials, regional authorities, and residents.
The command centre is now positioned to serve as a central hub for surveillance, real-time monitoring, coordinated responses, and crime analysis on the Essequibo Coast.
The facility is housed next to the newly constructed Anna Regina Headquarters, which was completed at a cost of $215 million. The command centre itself is part of a broader strategy aimed at boosting operational efficiency and safety across Region Two.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, PS Andre Ally, has revealed that the Government has invested more than $1.5 billion in capital assets for the security sector between 2020 and 2025. These investments include critical resources such as buildings, vehicles, equipment and the deployment of modern body cameras.
Ally noted that the newly opened headquarters facility was completed at a cost of $215 million, while reconstruction of the Henrietta Police Station is also underway, signalling the Government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening infrastructure in Region Two.
“This is a major transformation in the sector… We are seeing heavy investment to improve services, modernise operations, and bring greater accountability to law enforcement,” Ally said.
The PS further commended the regional police for their efforts, noting that serious crimes in Region Two have decreased by 18 per cent. However, he expressed concern about the rise in serious traffic accidents along the Essequibo Coast, emphasising the need for public cooperation and road safety awareness.
“This is not just police work—this is everyone’s work…Talk to your families; wear helmets, wear your seatbelts. Let us try to reverse this very bad trend. It starts with us,” he advised.
Additionally, Minister Benn, during his remarks, reiterated the Government’s unwavering commitment to transforming the national security sector through sustained investments in infrastructure, training and equipment.
“We sat down when we came back into Government and we mapped out our programmes. I am proud to say, after five years, that we are keeping our promises to the people of Guyana,” the Minister stated. He said the commissioning of the command centre is part of wider efforts aimed at delivering safety and order to all communities through improved policing facilities, upgraded technology and professional service delivery. Minister Benn underscored that national development is fundamentally linked to the strength and reliability of the country’s security forces. He stressed that no amount of infrastructure—regardless of how modern or expansive—can fulfil its purpose without the presence of well-trained, well-equipped, and trusted law enforcement personnel. The Government’s focus therefore, is not only on building state-of-the-art police facilities and command centres, but also on ensuring that these investments are matched with high standards of professionalism, integrity and public trust. In his view, peace and security are not side components of development—they are its very foundation. “You can build all the fancy buildings you want—but without trusted, well-equipped security forces, there will be no development,” he said.
He added that national progress depends heavily on peace, law and order, and underscored the importance of professional conduct and empathy by security ranks.
“We are working on building trust, integrity, and pride within our forces. That’s the foundation of everything else.” According to Deputy Commander of Operations, Errol Watts, the Anna Regina facility is just one of many under the Government’s strategic police infrastructure expansion. He noted that over the past five years, 23 new police stations were built and 75 other projects were completed across Guyana to improve police infrastructure and working conditions for ranks. “In the last five years, we’ve built 23 new police stations and completed 74 additional projects across Guyana. Officers are now better accommodated and better resourced than ever before,” Watts shared.
He urged ranks to care for and respect the assets provided to them and maintain the facilities through proper use and cleanliness.
“These facilities were not easy to fund. Let’s show the people and the Government that we’re using them for the purpose intended—with pride and professionalism,” Watts concluded. Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent Khemraj Shivbaran, in his address, described the commissioning as a “simple but significant ceremony”, marking a major milestone for Region Two and the Guyana Police Force.
“Minister, the buildings that stand before us—this Regional Police Headquarters and the new Command Centre—are both essential to the transformation of our national security sector and the Guyana Police Force,” Shivbaran stated.
He explained that the new headquarters bring several positive changes to the region, including decentralised services previously only available in Georgetown. These include the Immigration Department and the Traffic Certification Unit, which now allow residents of Region Two to access these services locally.
The new building, he noted houses multiple specialised departments, including the Commander’s Registry (which handles firearm licences and other documents), the Finance Department, the Court Superintendent’s Office, the Regional Operations Room, the Detective Officer’s Office, the Gender-Based Unit, the Traffic Department, and the Office of Professional Responsibility. There is also a conference room that supports staff development and training. He concluded by expressing gratitude for the development work ongoing within Regional Division Two and reiterated the force’s commitment to public service and innovation in policing.