Training sets the tone for peaceful 2025 elections

The launch of the second phase of Guyana’s national internal security training programme comes at a critical juncture in the country’s democratic trajectory. As the nation prepares for the General and Regional Elections slated for September 1, 2025, this coordinated training exercise led by the Joint Services is timely and essential for the preservation of law, order, and public trust.
The Command Post Exercise (CPX), which formally commenced at the Officers’ Training Centre, Eve Leary, is far more than an academic exercise, as it represents an important strategic approach to internal security, an approach informed by both recent history and the realities of a complex and evolving security environment. That over 800 personnel from all 10 administrative regions have already participated in theoretical training since April 8 demonstrates a commendable commitment to national preparedness.
It is no secret that the events surrounding Guyana’s 2020 elections posed significant challenges to stability and institutional resilience. Tensions were high, misinformation rampant, and public confidence in the electoral process momentarily shaken. That experience must not be allowed to repeat itself. The current training initiative addresses those very risks head-on, combining simulations of civil unrest, cyber threats, and coordinated emergency responses under one integrated framework.
Deputy Commissioner of Police and training coordinator Simon McBean aptly emphasised the importance of collaboration, professionalism, and strategic planning. These principles are indispensable, particularly in a diverse and multi-ethnic society where the perception of fairness and the rule of law can greatly influence public behaviour and national unity. Strengthening the operational readiness of the Joint Services is a matter of institutional efficiency; it is a safeguard for democracy itself.
The participation of leaders from across the spectrum of Guyana’s security architecture, including the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Fire Service, and the Guyana Prison Service, speaks to a commendable inter-agency solidarity. It also signals a unified front, one capable of responding swiftly and effectively to disruptions, whether physical, digital, or psychological.
Assistant Director of Prisons and Chairman of the Joint Services Training Committee, Kevin Pilgrim, was right to highlight the value of refining response mechanisms and improving collaboration. As the CPX transitions into its practical phase, the emphasis on calm, clear, and coordinated communication with the public will be vital. Election-related tensions, especially in a polarised climate, can escalate rapidly if security personnel are not prepared to de-escalate with confidence, clarity, and impartiality.
Deputy Commissioner of Administration Ravindradat Budhram also provided key insight by advocating the dissemination of lessons learnt across units. This approach not only fosters institutional memory and resilience but also ensures that smaller or less experienced regional teams are not left behind. Security should be uniformly strong, regardless of geography.
Moreover, Andrew Holder of the Fire Service and Vernon Burnette of the Coast Guard underscored the necessity of regional and maritime command readiness. Their inclusion in this training effort reflects an understanding that electoral stability is not just a matter for urban centres. Coastal and hinterland communities must feel equally secure and equally heard.
The coordinated training is an operational drill, as it is a symbol of national maturity. It indicates that Guyana’s institutions have taken stock of past vulnerabilities and are taking deliberate steps to strengthen the integrity of future elections. In doing so, they are not only preparing to secure polling stations and public spaces, they are also working to secure citizens’ confidence in the process itself.
This initiative deserves full public support. Security is a shared responsibility, and while the burden of enforcement rests with the Joint Services, the success of any election hinges on trust. By investing in readiness, professionalism, and coordination, Guyana is laying a firm foundation for peaceful elections and for the continued growth of its democratic institutions.
This training programme is a stride in the right direction.