Zara Cybersecurity Centre launched at Police College

The Zara Cybersecurity Centre was on Friday launched at the Felix Austin Police College, replacing the Computer Training Centre which previously existed. This institution was re-commissioned to provide the necessary training to both officers and civilians in the defence against cybercrimes.

The Cybersecurity Centre was the vision of the now Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud, during his appointment in the capacity of Crime Chief. Persaud took the initiative to engage the Zara team in the refurbishing of the Computer Training Centre, to not only provide ranks with the much needed training to deal with cybercrimes, but also to deliver the tools and equipment to identify and eliminate technologically-based threats.

Members of the Zara team were present at the launch of Centre and all shared similar sentiments in the need for such facilities to address and combat cybercrimes, especially in a developing country such as Guyana. They pointed out that while technology may be advantageous; the worldwide web creates several avenues for criminal acts to be committed via the international medium. As such, the team implemented their third Zara labelled Cybersecurity Centre in Guyana with the hopes of it blooming similar to the desert flower from which the label derived.

Speaking at the opening was the acting Police Commissioner, David Ramnarine, who was well spirited in his confidence of the effectiveness this Centre will bring to the Force. Ramnarine noted that advanced technology continues to present more frequent issues for the Government, citizens and consequently the Police Force. As such, he pointed out, “In the absence of cybercrime legislation, we have to continue to explore opportunities and build capacities to tackle cybercrime.” He went on to say, “This Centre will provide the capacity and capability to project the trots to deal with cyberthreats.”

The acting Commissioner further indicated the benefits which this fully equipped computer laboratory will afford. “The specialised training that will be received from this Centre will broaden the ranks understanding of the threats of cybercrime and provide them with an informed approach as we go about dealing with those threats,” posited Ramnarine.

The event on Friday featured a ribbon cutting ceremony after which special invitees and media operatives ventured in the newly refurbished and developed facility. The Zara Cybersecurity Centre at the Felix Austin Police College consists of a series of computer systems equipped with the necessary software for the preparation to eliminate cyberthreats.

The Zara team had already established operations in Guyana and is merely broadening and strengthening their foothold across the country. Two similar Cybersecurity Centres are already in existence; one in Essequibo and the other in Berbice. Collectively, those two centres were able to train 805 Police ranks thus far, along with over 1000 members of the regional communities. This centre is now open to both the Police attached to the Felix Austin Training College and other ranks within the Force as well as civilians who are willing and interested in joining forces to combat cyberthreats and crimes.