The Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Ministry of Home Affairs yesterday hosted a sod-turning ceremony for the commencement of construction of the new Brickdam Police Station.
The 12-storey structure will be constructed by R. Bassoo & Son’s Contracting Company in partnership with Qingjian Guyana Group Company Inc (CNQC) at a cost of US$28,140,000.
At the ceremony, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Andre Ally, expressed the government’s commitment to restoring and enhancing the safety and security infrastructure in the country. Ally noted that the modern 12-storey complex promises to be resistant to earthquakes and will boast state-of-the-art fire protection, inclusive of detectors, alarms, hose reels, and extinguishers. The structure will also have advanced CCTV monitoring and access to control systems and enhanced security measures. According to Ally, the large investment in the new edifice exemplifies the government’s dedication to this undertaking and symbolizes the resilience and determination of the country to “rise from the ashes, stronger and more powerful than ever before”.
With the project estimated to be completed in 30 months, Roy Bassoo, in his speech, expressed the two companies’ intention to complete works before the projected deadline and without compromising quality. Bassoo noted that logistical issues and site organization have been discussed with the top brass of the relevant division and the Home Affairs team and he assured that construction works will not impede the vital works of the GPF. Having worked successfully with this Ministry before, Bassoo promised to build to the specifications and in keeping with his company’s motto, ‘we build to last a lifetime.’ The contractor also pointed out to those present that the geotechnical and survey teams were already mobilized and ready to begin working, as soon as the function was over.
In his turn, Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken cited the significant improvement in police infrastructure over the past three years creating a conducive environment for interaction between the public and police force. He emphasized the importance of modernizing the force with all necessary components for issues such as domestic violence and identity (ID) parades.
The infrastructure development, he noted, coincides with the transformation of the Guyana Police Force into a ‘Guyana Police Service’. Hicken stressed the importance of a robust maintenance policy and noted that the 12-storey building at the Brickdam Police Station will require the employment of engineers within the force to ensure that it is maintained. The Commissioner of Police also pointed out that the new structure, which will house other departments of the police branch, will be at a strategic location. This, he said, will ease the burden of members of the public traveling long distances to get to headquarters and will also improve response times. Hicken also highlighted that civilian technocrats will work alongside the police to bridge the gap between the public and the police force.
Also present at the ceremony was Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, who highlighted the importance of good security for development and the need for unity among the people. He acknowledged the challenges related to sovereignty and crime in Guyana but emphasized that they can only be overcome through understanding, communication and collaboration.
The new building, Benn noted, is not enough on its own; the success depends on the quality of engagement and the commitment of those occupying positions within it. The minister also emphasized that crime in Guyana is largely influenced by activities in Georgetown, which serves as a transportation hub and commercial centre. The engagement and performance in Georgetown play a significant role in addressing crime throughout the country, he noted, and as such, the construction of the new edifice is a defining moment that requires effective engagement and collaboration.
During his feature address, President Irfaan Ali emphasized the importance of integrated security apparatus for the national security architecture to function effectively. He highlighted that the security architecture is linked to the security apparatus, which includes all facets of the country’s security forces working together seamlessly.
Ali pointed out that the development of such infrastructure as the new building should not be seen in isolation, but rather as part of a broader plan to develop a culture of safe living in the country. This, he said, involves proactive and intelligence-based policing, community engagement, and ensuring the intellectual capabilities of the armed forces are utilized effectively. The president also discussed the need for a results-based approach to security, integrating different assets and capabilities, and focusing on digitization and automation to remove human bias when dealing with crime.
The Head of State also highlighted investments in building capacity and capability for the police force, the Defence Force, the fire service, and the prison service. The goal, he noted, is to create a national security architecture that meets the country’s requirements and integrates with regional and international partners.
The former Brickdam Police Station was destroyed by fire on October 2, 2021. Clarence Greene was later charged with setting the fire.
Both Ali and Hicken hinted that the new structure would house most of the services that are presently based at Eve Leary. This, Ali noted, will pave the way for the Eve Leary division being fully utilized as a police academy.
Other attendees at the ceremony included Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum and Captain Gerry Gouveia.
