Regional divisions roll out Christmas policing plans as GPF expands holiday security nationwide

The Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) regional divisions rolled out their Christmas Policing Plans on Saturday, marking the first major regional deployments. The coordinated launches, spanning Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), 4C (East Coast Demerara), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), come one day after Friday’s national rollout and signal the beginning of a strengthened, countrywide security posture during the festive season. The measures, which will run from November 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026, are designed to boost visibility, strengthen community partnerships and reinforce crime prevention efforts across the country during the peak festive period.

In Region Seven, Assistant Commissioner Dion Moore led the launch during a ceremony hosted at the Regional Democratic Council’s (RDC) Boardroom in Bartica. The event drew key regional stakeholders, including Bartica Mayor Anthony Murray, Regional Executive Officer (REO) Kerwin Ward, Prime Minister’s (PM) Representative Erwin Ward, Regional Vice Chairman Alden Marslowe, Chairman of the Bartica Station Management Committee Mark Rahaman, Banks DIH Bartica Branch Manager Keron Savory, members of the Community Policing Group, and Rural Sergeant Edward Persaud. The presentation outlined the Division’s intensified security arrangements for the festive season, which will include intelligence-led special operations, increased foot, bicycle, and mobile patrols, joint river patrols between the GPF and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and roving patrols supported by strategically positioned fixed points. Daily profiling will also be conducted for persons entering and leaving the region, while booths will be placed at key locations across the township to strengthen visibility and accessibility.
Commander Moore also shared crime prevention guidance with attendees before opening the floor for an interactive discussion where regional officials and stakeholders offered concerns, suggestions and feedback. He later presented a comparison of crime statistics over the past two years, reaffirming the Division’s commitment to continuous improvement and public safety.
After the ceremony, Commander Moore and his team moved to the Bartica Police Station, where they inspected and deployed ranks for riverine, roving, foot and bicycle patrols as the division began its full Christmas policing posture.
Meanwhile, earlier in the day across Regional Division Four C, ranks were deployed as the Division rolled out its Christmas security operations. With holiday shopping, travel, and public movement expected to increase significantly, patrols have been expanded through foot, motorcycle, and vehicle units, while fixed-point duties have been established at several vulnerable locations. Community engagement remains a central feature of the plan, with officers expected to maintain close contact with residents and businesses throughout the season. During the launch, Assistant Commissioner Khali Pareshram urged ranks to remain vigilant, swift in response, and committed to the highest standards of professionalism, courtesy, and respect. He reminded them that the public depends on the Force for safety and encouraged officers to conduct themselves in a manner befitting the season and the organisation. Citizens were simultaneously urged to remain alert and report suspicious activities as part of the wider effort to ensure a peaceful and incident-free Christmas and New Year. In Region Nine, Commander Mohammed Ally launched the Division’s Christmas Policing 2025 posture with a firm emphasis on visibility and accountability. Police presence will be increased across the Rupununi, with expanded patrols, traffic enforcement and community engagements in towns and hinterland villages. All officers on duty must wear body cameras, a move expected to bolster professionalism and strengthen public trust. Teams across Region Nine were deployed on Saturday to begin their festive-season duties.
Regional Division Six formally launched its Christmas Posture on Saturday under the leadership of Assistant Commissioner Shivpersaud Bacchus. The ceremony was attended by Regional Chairman Junior Basant, members of the private sector and the Joint Services. Basant warned that while the season brings joy, it also brings “busy streets, crowded markets and potential risks” and stressed the importance of community support. Commander Bacchus highlighted a significant 61 per cent drop in serious crimes compared to last year and outlined the Division’s increased foot, bicycle, mounted, vehicle, and ATV patrols. Berbice’s “Safe City” initiative – powered by CCTV and surveillance technology – will remain central to the division’s strategy. Before deployment, Bacchus reminded officers to remain vigilant and uphold their duties. Ranks were then posted across the region. Regional Division Five activated its Christmas policing posture in the presence of Commander Senior Superintendent Lonsdale Withrite, Deputy Commander Vishnu Hunte, and their administrative team. Ranks were paraded and briefed to remain alert, stay within their assigned sectors, report suspicious activity and utilise their body cameras and radios efficiently. Officers were then deployed to fixed points, mobile patrols and foot patrols across the division. Region Two also launched its Christmas Policing Plan on Saturday, joining the nationwide effort to secure communities amid increased seasonal travel and commerce. Police ranks have been deployed to key commercial districts, marketplaces, transportation hubs and waterfront areas as part of the region-wide festive security operations. The policing posture implemented Saturday by all divisions reflects the broader national strategy announced on Friday, signalling the start of a heightened security period across all regions as the country prepares for its busiest time of the year.