Regional gang violence: Guyana assessing regional security risks, beefing up local protection – Ali

…‘eye in the sky’, other security programmes being implemented

Regional crime concerns, such as obtain in nearby Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) – which has recently announced a State of Emergency to deal with heightened gang violence – are causing Guyana to not only keep a close eye on the situation, but strengthen its own border security and citizen protection strategies.
During his year-end press conference on Tuesday, President Dr Irfaan Ali was asked whether Guyana has beefed up the monitoring of its borders, and whether countries like Trinidad have requested Guyana’s assistance in dealing with their security problems.

In response, President Ali confirmed that the threat level to Guyana posed by regional gang violence is indeed being assessed.Additionally, he noted that, as a member of the Regional Security Service (RSS), Guyana is privy to discussions on the regional security threat.
The RSS was set up through an agreement within the Caribbean Community (Caricom) for the defence and security of the Eastern Caribbean region; and Guyana was asked to become a member of the steering group of one of the RSS’s operating arms back in 2022.
“As you know, we’re a member of the RSS, so I know there are discussions going on within the regional security architecture. And, of course, there are measures to look for consequential effects. So, yes, the security architecture of Guyana met yesterday [Monday] and there were discussions examining some of the possible threats, and ensuring our systems are rigid enough to avoid those threats. But (we’re) working also with regional partners to ensure that our collective system protects our population,” President Ali explained.
In terms of beefing up local security systems, the President disclosed, plans include upgrading immigration systems with electronic gates for advanced entrance monitoring, and expanding the Safe City Initiative nationwide.
“…the movement of gangs, the transfer of weapons, the expansion of gangs; and we have to be mindful of this. So, what we have done in 2024 is expand the Safe City Project. We have state-of-the -art surveillance system in many of the important locations now, especially the urban centres,” he further stated.
The President noted that, so far, Government now has more than 500 body cameras available to officers who are fighting crime and those who are involved in traffic management. Government has also invested in state-of-the -art drones, some of which were actually deployed during the Christmas holidays as part of the ‘eye in the sky’ programme.
“I don’t know how many of you paid attention, but during the Christmas holidays, they were all over in the streets, giving back real time information and footage to the control centres (on) what is happening,” he declared.
“We also launched a new programme, where we have the ‘Citizens Watch’, where we have connected the surveillance CCTV cameras, the big screens outside Stabroek, for example, in key areas, so that everybody can be looking at a screen and seeing what is happening in the streets, and what is happening and identify potential threats,” the President said.
President Irfaan Ali has praised the efforts of the Guyana Police Force and stressed the importance of individual responsibility in maintaining safety on the roads and within communities.
These advancements, he explained, highlight a collaborative approach between law enforcement, Government initiatives, and active citizen participation.
“So that also has brought tremendous results. We are also modernizing our fleet. As you know, we have 19 advanced marine vessels now; that is: fast boats that (are) operating along our riverways,” the Head of State added.
After a weekend of gang violence that resulted in several deaths, and after a year (2024) that has seen over 600 murders, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago has declared a state of emergency, during which the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) would have increased powers at their disposal to arrest the spiralling crime situation.
These emergency powers include the ability to search premises and individuals without warrants, once reasonable suspicion of criminal activity exists. Additionally, law-enforcement authorities would be able to detain individuals for up to 48 hours without charge. (G3)