-says strategic policing has significantly reduced serious crimes, murders
Georgetown, Guyana (February 27, 2025) – Commander of the Armed Forces, His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali emphasised the importance of collaboration, enhanced technology, diversified training, and proactive policing in developing a more efficient and reliable police force, and by extension, a safer and more secure Guyana.
The Head of State spoke at the opening of the Guyana Police Force Annual Police Officers’ Conference held at the Police Officers’ Mess at Eve Leary on Wednesday.
“Whether it’s internal security or external threats, we are all working towards the protection and safeguarding of our national assets and our sovereignty together, and that requires collaboration, partnership, and collective effort.”
The President said these efforts have resulted in the GPF being successful in reducing serious crime by 12.2%, murders by 25.9%, and robberies by 40.9%.
These achievements, the President attributed to the integration and advancement of technology, community engagement, and strategic partnerships in the GPF.
Training and professional development
To further continue the upward momentum of the GPF, President Ali reaffirmed his government’s commitment to investing in the professional development of police officers:
He stated that from 2024 to the end of 2025, more than 3,100 ranks will receive specialised training.
“We are equipping our ranks with specialised training, whether it’s in cybersecurity, whether it is in forensics. In 2024 alone, more than 1,400 ranks underwent specialised training at the cost of more than $250m.”
He also encouraged officers to take advantage of the GOAL Scholarship programme to further their education.
“Any officer at any rank who wishes to study, who wishes to upgrade their education through the GOAL Scholarship programme, let them do it; encourage them and support them.”
The President also reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to improving the working conditions, salaries, and benefits of police officers. He pledged to incentivise long-term service and ensure that officers retire with dignity.
“We are investing in you because you show unconditional love and sacrifice for this country every day”.
Investing in technology and digitisation
The President highlighted that technology and digitisation will play a key role in modernising the force. He announced plans for a fully digitised scanner system at all ports of entry, enhanced legislation to deter smuggling, and the implementation of GPS tracking for police vehicles to ensure accountability and efficiency.
“Technology and digitisation will be and must be the backbone that supports effective policing, that supports effective public security systems.” The President emphasised the importance of traceability to evaluate performances, weaknesses, and strengths.
President Ali also called for a balanced approach to policing that combines strong enforcement with softer skills, such as compassion and community engagement. He stressed the need for the GPF to always be seen as approachable protectors.
“People must look at…your uniform as a symbol of safety, a symbol of comfort, a symbol of compassion, not as fear.”
Regional and international partnerships
President Ali also emphasised the importance of regional and international collaboration in addressing cross-border crime and enhancing forensic capabilities. He said that partnerships with the New York Police Department, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the National Forensic Science University in India will help to develop Guyana’s forensic capacity.
“This asset will be a regional asset, and it is linked, and it’s partnered or paired with the National Forensic Science University in India.” The President also highlighted Guyana’s growing international footprint. This, he said, is supported by upcoming events such as the Interpol Annual Conference in 2025 being hosted in Guyana.
A vision for the future
Looking ahead, President Ali outlined a holistic strategy for the GPF, focusing on attitude, culture, partnership, and accountability. He called for a shift in mind-set within the force, urging officers to embrace leadership, integrity, and professionalism.
“We want a well-trained, well-equipped, and highly professional police force that is capable of effectively safeguarding citizens and upholding the rule of law in a rapidly changing Guyana.”
The President reinforced his confidence in the future of the Guyana Police Force.
“We are stronger together. We are better when we are together.”
He said the vision for a modern, professional, and collaborative GPF reflects his government’s unwavering commitment to building a safer and more prosperous Guyana.
