– Guyana Strengthens Commitment to Global Security – Hosts A3+ Security Council Retreat
GEORGETOWN, Guyana – The Guianese government is prioritizing digitization to enhance crime-fighting efforts, transforming the Guyana Police Force (GPF) into a modern policing entity. President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali made this announcement at the annual Police Officers’ Conference held at the Police Officers’ Mess Annexe, Eve-Leary on Wednesday morning.
The three-day conference, themed ‘Building a Resilient and Contemporary Police Force: Strengthening Accountability, Innovation, and Partnership for Safer Communities.’ aims to modernize law enforcement strategies.
President Ali emphasized that utilizing data analytics will improve crime prevention by revealing crime patterns. “This is vital; we must adopt scientific approaches to crime fighting. The accumulation and analysis of quality data are crucial in developing effective crime-fighting strategies,” he stated.
The government is investing heavily in empowering officers with specialized training in digitization and artificial intelligence (AI). In 2024, approximately 1,400 officers received this training, with an investment of $250 million; an additional 1,700 officers are slated for training later this year.
In partnership with the United States, Guyana will implement advanced digitized scanners at all ports of entry to enhance immigration services and reduce reliance on human capacity.
“We are committed to enhancing our human resources through technological investments, providing them with analytical skills and tools to navigate and succeed in a rapidly evolving environment,” President Ali remarked.
Moreover, the integration of technology will enable better performance monitoring within the Police Force, fostering accountability. A budget of $2 billion has been allocated for acquiring additional police vehicles, which will be equipped with GPS tracking systems to ensure transparency in operations.
“This investment is essential; accountability for actions taken is paramount. We cannot invest without ensuring that we hold ourselves accountable for delivering optimal results,” the president asserted.
As part of its digitization initiative, around 400 intelligence video camera systems have been deployed nationwide under the Safe Country initiative, with plans for an additional 320 systems this year.
In a broader context, Guyana has reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing Caribbean-African unity by hosting the annual Retreat of the African Member States Plus (A3 Plus) during its first engagement at the United Nations Security Council.
The event, which commenced on Wednesday morning at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre in Kingston, Georgetown, serves as a critical platform for fostering collaboration between African and Caribbean nations within the Security Council and amplifying Africa’s influence in global governance.
Representatives from the African Union, UN Security Council members, and key diplomats are participating in the discussions, solidifying Guyana’s status as a rising player in international diplomacy and security.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hugh Todd praised the A3+ for its accomplishments and proactive role in enhancing the UN Security Council’s effectiveness.
Through strategic dialogue, the A3 Plus continues to strengthen cooperative efforts, advocating for the interests of both regions. Minister Todd emphasized the need for ongoing commitment to global peace and security:
“Our pledge to multilateralism is non-negotiable. We must uphold the UN Charter, which fosters respect, stability, and predictability in our operations on the Security Council and in our foreign policy,” he asserted.
Minister Todd further conveyed, “All our efforts within the Security Council, the highest decision-making body, should serve the best interest of humanity.”
The A3+ has made significant advances in addressing critical issues, including conflicts in Sudan and Libya. In the upcoming days, delegates will engage in substantive discussions on various pressing matters related to sustainable peace and development.
