The Ministry of Home Affairs, in collaboration with its agencies, the Guyana Fire and Prison Services and the Guyana Police Force, held their annual review and projections press conference today. Present were the Minister of Home Affairs Hon Robeson Benn, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs along with the Chief of Police Mr. Clifton Hicken, the Director of Prisons Mr. Nicklon Elliot, and Chief Fire Officer Mr. Gregory Wickham.
In his address, the Chief of Police emphasized the need for public cooperation with the GPF, stating that “policing will become easier”. Mr. Hicken asserted that the Guyana Police Force will conduct interviews with a wide cross-section of members of the general public for necessary feedback as he underscored that “feedback is critical for us”. He highlighted that this year will also see the collaboration between the Guyana Police Force, Stakeholders, Parents, and their children.
The Chief of Police highlighted several initiatives the Guyana Police Force intends to undertake as they strive to change their status from a “force to a service”. This includes the commencement of E-Ticketing, which will allow the tickets for ticketed offences like Speeding (Exceeding Speed Limit) – Section 34 (1) or Failing to Produce a Driver’s License – Section 23 (2) to be sent via SMS through the GTT and Digicel service providers.
Mr. Hicken also highlighted the Force’s intention to allow upward academic mobility for its current and incoming ranks providing career opportunities so that “no one will be left behind.