-acknowledges gaps in firefighting
Twenty-one persons died in fires last year, Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn disclosed yesterday during his end-of-year press conference.
The fires, which not only claimed lives but also destroyed farmlands and forestry, highlighted critical gaps in fire prevention and response, Benn acknowledged while pledging to distribute more equipment to vulnerable communities in 2025.
Reflecting on the Ministry’s performance, Benn described 2024 as “a very good year,” emphasizing the successes achieved across various sectors under the Ministry’s purview. “We are now in a position to perform even better in 2025,” he said, as he outlined the Minis-try’s accomplishments and plans for improvement.
Moreover, some significant achievements reported by the minister were the 40.4% reduction in serious crimes in 2024 compared to the previous year. He noted that this progress occurred despite the challenges posed by transnational organised crime and the evolving nature of criminal activity.
He highlighted the establishment of command centres as a critical strategic initiative to combat crime. These centres, located in key regions including Regions 3, 5, and 6, enable faster responses to incidents and improved monitoring through surveillance cameras. “We expect better and faster response times, with the ability to follow up on criminal activities more effectively,” Benn said.
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) also saw notable developments, including an increase in manpower and new infrastructure. Benn disclosed that several new police stations, equipped with child-friendly facilities, have been constructed and are set to be commissioned in 2025. Locations include Bartica, Mah-dia, Paramakatoi, and Monkey Mountain, among others.
Addressing the state of the country’s prisons, Benn revealed that there are currently 2,032 persons incarcerated, including 69 females. Of these, 147 are repeat offenders, underscoring the need for more effective rehabilitation programmes. The minister also noted the challenges of managing drug trafficking and the rise of synthetic drug use, which require specialized intervention strategies.
While there was a 14% drop in traffic-related deaths in 2024, Benn noted that the Ministry is working to address road safety through stricter enforcement and awareness campaigns. The acquisition of additional police vehicles has improved the capacity for rapid responses to incidents on Guyana’s roads.
Benn highlighted the broader scope of responsibilities undertaken by the Ministry in 2024, including the demands of hosting international visits and conferences, as well as implementing key security-related projects. These efforts, he said, are part of the Ministry’s mandate to ensure the safety and well-being of all Guyanese.
The construction and upgrading of several police stations, including new facilities in Den Amstel, Mahaica, and Springlands, along with IT training centres and marine operations infrastructure, were among the major accomplishments.
Benn acknowledged that while significant progress has been made, challenges remain, particularly in addressing social issues that contribute to crime and insecurity. However, he expressed optimism for 2025, saying, “We continue to challenge ourselves to do better, to create a safer and more peaceful Guyana.”
