Two police boat houses inaugurated in north west

Complementing the new Mabaruma police divisional headquarters commissioned yesterday, Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn also inaugurated a police training facility and two boat houses.

A release from the ministry said that the newly completed Mabaruma Police Training Facility, constructed at a cost of over $85 million, will offer computer literacy training, home economics classes, sewing workshops, and other skill-based programmes. The multipurpose centre is designed to support the professional development of police officers and foster broader community engagement.

Two additional facilities, the Mabaruma Boat House (over $52 million) and the Morawhanna Boat House and Wharf (over $59 million), were also commissioned. Both structures are equipped with watch towers, access ramps, fixed and floating walkways, and secure docking for law enforcement vessels, the release said. These facilities are expected to significantly strengthen the region’s riverine patrol capabilities, improving responsiveness in remote areas and along Guyana’s borders.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Andre Ally, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving public security through strategic investment in both infrastructure and human resources.

“We are doing a lot more with the same amount of people, and that is the record,” Ally asserted.

He said that over $400 million has been allocated for advanced police training and he reported a 30% reduction in serious crimes in Region One, attributing this progress to stronger community partnerships, modern facilities, and continuous professional development.

Addressing security concerns in the border region, Regional Commander Senior Superintendent Krishnadat Ramana acknowledged ongoing challenges posed by tensions with neighbouring Venezuela. He reassured residents of the division’s readiness to protect citizens and maintain order.

“We are faced with our largest task, to ensure citizens feel safe and secure against the biggest threat to Guyana,” Commander Ramana said.

Ramana also highlighted ongoing training programmes and the recruitment of 63 new officers from the region since September 2024, which have significantly strengthened the division’s operational capacity.