The crime-fighting capabilities of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Monday received a massive boost as the Chinese Government handed over a hefty donation of vehicles and equipment worth US$2.6 million.
Added to the existing Police fleet were 56 pickup trucks, 44 motorcycles, 35 ATVs as well as five buses, carrying the signature blue and white finish and sirens.
Accompanying these was a total of 550 items of protective gear, 70 computers (both desktops and laptops) along with other technical equipment, all aimed at improving the efficiency of the country’s crime-fighting force.
On the receiving end was acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine, who underlined the significance of this contribution in enhancing the Force’s operations.
In doing so, he attributed the materialisation of this venture to arrangements put in place by Top Cop Seelall Persaud.
“What we are witnessing has its conceptualisation in an engagement that the Commissioner of Police had with officials of the Chinese Government here in Guyana, some time in 2014 and since then the process was kick-started,” outlined the acting Top Cop.
Ramnarine further noted that through the Foreign Affairs Ministry, a list of much-needed items was submitted to the donor country with the hope of increasing the crime-fighting capacity of the Police Force.
In his presentation of the donation, Chinese Ambassador Cui Jianchun pledged continued commitment to social security in Guyana. In continuing, he underlined that this venture exemplified the strong relationship shared by the two countries.
“We are setting a new goal, a new tone. Most importantly, we can work together because we believe that independence of development is critical for every nation. So, I hope we can do more to serve Guyana,” the Ambassador said.
The Chinese diplomat went on to pave the way for further collaboration, indicating that his country was willing to go beyond tangible donations and offer expertise through training in China as well.
Meanwhile, President David Granger, in welcoming the venture, highlighted the need for the massive upgrade to the crime-fighting system in Guyana.
He alluded to the recent challenges of the GPF in protecting the country against local and transnational offenders, particularly as it related to traversing difficult terrain in responding promptly to reports emanating from remote regions.
With that in mind, the Head of State underscored the importance of the vehicles and communication equipment donated by the Chinese Government.
“The equipment being presented today by the People’s Republic of China to the Guyana Police Force recognises the need to enhance the spatial deployment of the Guyana Police Force to every region,” posited Granger.
The Commander of the Armed Forces expressed appreciation for the longstanding friendship between the two countries.
The handing-over of the vehicles comes just days after the Police Force was faced with a debacle as ranks of the Alberttown Police Station were unable to rush to a crime scene owing to the lack of transportation.
This initiative, which will significantly enhance the capacity of the crime-fighting Force, also coincides with the reinstallation of the 911 emergency call system, which is back up and running as of last week.
