New police facilities commissioned on Essequibo Coast

…to strengthen security, boost marine operations, enhance community policing

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) marked a significant milestone in its infrastructure and service expansion efforts with the commissioning of four new buildings across Regional Division No Two on Saturday.
The facilities commissioned by Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn included the new Divisional Headquarters and Command Centre in Anna Regina, the Charity Police Station, and a new boathouse in Charity, all aimed at bolstering operational efficiency, decentralising services, and expanding the GPF’s reach in coastal and riverine communities.
Benn was joined by Permanent Secretary of the Home Affairs Ministry, Andre Ally, and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Errol Watts.
Security strengthened
In his feature address, Benn reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the security sector through strategic investments in infrastructure, personnel, and policy. He underscored the role of the new facilities in expanding the marine division of the GPF, which is especially crucial for the region’s riverine communities.
He also addressed key societal issues such as road safety, motorcyclist fatalities, and family violence. “We continue to see lives being lost due to reckless motorcycle use and failure to wear helmets,” Benn noted, as he handed over safety helmets to Deputy Commissioner Watts and Regional Commander Khemraj Shivbaran.
On the issue of domestic violence, Minister Benn highlighted the need for accountability from all parties and stronger community engagement. “We must work toward a better society through greater collaboration,” he said, urging tighter coordination between community policing groups and national law enforcement to improve crime-fighting strategies.
Enhancing
Deputy Commissioner Watts spoke on the ongoing transformation within the GPF, noting the construction of new divisional headquarters and the rehabilitation of existing stations across the country. He emphasised the importance of maintaining police buildings to ensure quality service delivery to the public.
Regional Commander Shivbaran highlighted the decentralised services now available to Essequibo residents and pointed to new specialised departments within the headquarters as part of the force’s broader development pillars focused on infrastructure and performance.