‘I am here to stay’

– Rohee says as contract signed to kick start security reform

Capita Symonds Associate Director Paul Wadsworth signs the agreement that will foresee the continued consultancy of the firm in the development of the Guyana Police Force

he Home Affairs Ministry on Monday signed a contract with the United Kingdom (UK)-based Capita Symonds firm for the provision of consultancy services for the Guyana Police Force (GPF), in keeping with the Security Sector Strategic Plan (SSSP).
The contract, valued US$129,750 or approximately G$25 million, is expected to last about four to six weeks, focusing on four critical areas: administration, succession planning, integrity/probity and public relations/communications. The ministry has already begun to receive applications for the 10 positions that are available within the Strategic Management Department which will act as a bridge for the four areas of development mentioned. The ministry will be putting together a panel of “distinguished” persons to review the applicants, ensuring that the bottom line of development is secured.
This consultancy firm is no stranger to the GPF, as it has held engagements with the law enforcement agency since 2000. Work on the strategic plan is rapidly moving apace since its launch in December. Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee noted that this partnership and the signing of the agreement was a step in a positive direction. However, he mentioned numerous times the opposition, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), has flip-flopped in regards to whether they have actually seen the plan.
Rohee said that while a consultancy firm is working to create a change for betterment in the security sector, the opposition may be a potential glitch in the implementation. Rohee noted that “one thing is very clear, they do not support the minister that is spearheading the plan,” and as a result, the opposition may use their position to halt the implementation of the SSSP.

‘I am here to stay’
Rohee stated that he would not be stepping down as minister and ultimately that decision is left with the president, and not to him, pointing out that “the people expect me to serve”. He said he believed that stepping down would be an extreme “disrespect” to the president as it was the president who appointed him to the position.
Minister Rohee told Guyana Times International that the partnership between the Home Affairs Ministry and Capita Symonds was beneficial to improving the public image of the GPF and that the opposition has an obligation to the GPF as well as to the Guyanese people.
British High Commissioner Andrew Ayre stated that the development of the police force is beneficial to Guyana as a whole, noting that the British government “supports any and all ventures that will grow the security sector within Guyana”.
He said the SSSP was being implemented at the right time and that it was his hope “that all parties cooperate in the implementation of the plans, as that would lead to the development in the security sector”.
The high commissioner said in the spirit of cooperation, it was necessary for the government to seek input as to how to execute the plan. Capita Symonds Associate Director Paul Wadsworth stated that the company began working with the police force in early 2000, and is now back to improve on the developments that were first initiated. He said the firm was “very passionate about making a difference”, and was happy to see the labour of development taking place.