Home Affairs Ministry commissions over $337M in projects in Reg. 2

Jul 06, 2025 News

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Kaieteur News – The Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday commissioned over $337 million in projects for the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in Region Two.

This is according to a release from the ministry which stated that the projects comprise of the new Anna Regina Divisional Headquarters, the Anna Regina Command Centre, a fully reconstructed Charity Police Station, and the newly established Charity Boathouse.

Present at the commissioning ceremonies were Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, Permanent Secretary, Mr. Andre Ally and Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’ Mr. Errol Watts.

The ministry noted that the four major security infrastructure projects represent a combined investment of more than $337 million. These projects, the agency noted are aimed at enhancing public safety, strengthening law enforcement capacity, and bringing essential services closer to residents.

Detailing the projects completed, the ministry shared that the Divisional Headquarters in Anna Regina, completed at a cost of $215.1 million, is outfitted with modern policing amenities including male and female lockups, interview rooms, child-friendly and domestic violence units, traffic and CID offices, a conference room, and an IT-enabled command centre.

Adjacent to the facility is the Anna Regina Command Centre, constructed for $32.4 million, which includes an operations room, administrative offices, and space for strategic planning and emergency coordination.

Down in Charity, the fully reconstructed Charity Police Station, was built at a cost of $62.7 million and now features upgraded male, female, and juvenile lockups; a witness and ID parade room; marine and immigration offices; CID and traffic departments; and accommodation for officers.

Further, the station also includes a child-friendly area and a dedicated unit for responding to domestic violence, making it one of the most modern and responsive stations in the region.

As it relates to the Charity Boathouse, the new $26.9 million facility is aimed at strengthening marine patrol and riverine response.

The ministry added that it was designed with a secure structure, a watchtower, and both fixed and floating walkways.

“The boathouse ensures the safe deployment and docking of police vessels regardless of tidal changes. It will play a crucial role in securing border areas, supporting rescue operations, and patrolling remote waterways of the Lower Pomeroon,” the ministry reported.

 

 

At the commissioning ceremonies, Minister Benn described the developments as both symbolic and strategic.

“We are confident that justice will prevail and that the sacrifices of those who built Guyana from this region will be honoured. These facilities are more than infrastructure; they are a symbol of national pride, unity, and our commitment to a safer, more resilient country,” the minister said in his remarks.

According to the ministry, the minister also emphasised the link between peace and development, noting that the government is investing in the resources to build a Guyana where all citizens feel protected.

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary (PS) highlighted the increase in government investment in Region Two’s security sector noting that “between 2020 and 2025, the government invested over G$1.5 billion in security infrastructure in the region. In comparison, only G$25 million was allocated during the previous five years, a 6,200% increase.”

Notably, PS Ally said the improved facilities helped to reduce serious crime in the region by 18% but also urged community responsibility.

“We are pleased with the progress, but we must also address rising traffic accidents, particularly among young motorcyclists not wearing helmets. Safety is a shared responsibility,” PS Ally noted.

Regional Divisional Commander, Senior Superintendent Khemraj Shivbarran welcomed the commissioning of the facilities, describing them as a long-awaited and much-needed development.

“These buildings represent a significant transformation in the delivery of national security services…They will bring vital services closer to the people and ease the burden on those who previously had to travel long distances to access policing support,” Commander Shivbarran noted.

Additionally, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Errol Watts, noted that the projects form part of a broader national strategy to modernize law enforcement across Guyana.

He said that over the past five years, some 23 new police stations were completed while there are 74 additional projects nationwide.

“We now have the resources, we must take care of them,” he urged those who would be utilizing the facilities.

“Mr. Watts noted that the administration of the Force will implement a dedicated administrative team to ensure the facilities remain clean, functional, and accessible to the public,” the ministry disclosed.

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• Anna Regina Divisional Headquarters, Charity Police Station, Guyana Police Force, Home Affairs Ministry, Robeson Benn

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