Recognising that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has recorded significant reductions in crime for the past two years, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn said the goal is to make the organisation the best for police service in the Caribbean.
Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum has disclosed that for the year, there was a total of 1521 reports of serious crimes when compared to 2002 in 2021 – a difference of 481, which represent a 19% decline.
He said this year, the country recorded 122 murders – the third lowest number of murders recorded over a 10-year period.
Benn noted that this is a significant achievement.
“The statistics we speak of are not mere statistics in themselves. They’re not simply data. The reductions we speak of about 20% year and year over two years speak to a dramatic improvement in the quality and delivery of policing in our country.”
“It is stellar for the Caribbean region and for other places and we want it to continue to be so. I want the Guyana Police Service that we’re transitioning to, to be the best police service in the Caribbean.”
Blanhum had noted that only recently he was in Trinidad on official business and was shocked to have learnt that the country has recorded 524 murders with only 14 per cent of them solved. “This indicates that we are doing well in the Caribbean,” Blanhum remarked.
The Home Affairs Minister made the remarks at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) annual Christmas luncheon and award ceremony on Tuesday.
Benn went on to challenge the Police Force to keep up this stellar track record, and to place more focus on reducing disorderly murders and the killing of women.
He also called for special emphasis to be placed on tackling driving under the influence of alcohol.
Meanwhile, the Crime Chief noted that with respect to the focus for 2023, greater emphasis will be placed on technology, training, recruitment, and partnership.
The Criminal Investigation Department, he related, will continue to produce high-quality investigations and strengthen its cooperation and partnership with all the relevant stakeholders.
