By: Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News |
Education, crime reduction, and accountability were highlighted as key priorities as the Guyana Police Force’s Regional Division 4A reviewed its 2025 performance at its Annual Christmas Luncheon and Awards Ceremony on Monday.
Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond, addressing officers at the event, reaffirmed that education remains a central pillar of national security and effective policing. She reminded ranks of President Irfaan Ali’s directive that education is a non-negotiable requirement for a modern police service, emphasizing that all officers are expected to secure passes in English and Mathematics within the next three years and register on the Guyana Digital School platform.
Providing an operational overview, Commander of Division 4A, Simon McBean, reported a continued decline in serious crimes within the division, despite increased demand for police services resulting from Guyana’s rapid economic growth. He reported that serious crimes decreased by 2.4 percent in 2025 compared with the previous year.
Commander McBean further noted that the division has undergone significant long-term transformation over the past five years. According to him, serious crimes have fallen by more than 76 percent since 2020, dropping from over 836 reported cases to approximately 200 so far in 2025.
He attributed these gains to three core strategies: strengthened foundational policing, the integration of technology into law enforcement operations, and the development of strong partnerships with communities. The commander stressed that the ultimate objective is not merely statistical improvement, but ensuring that citizens genuinely feel safe in their daily lives.
While acknowledging progress in crime reduction, McBean also reported challenges in other areas. Traffic accidents within the division increased by three percent in 2025; however, fatal accidents declined significantly by 24 percent. He also addressed internal accountability, revealing that during the year, 14 ranks were dismissed, six retired, and seven officers were charged and placed before the courts.
The Division 4A review underscored the Guyana Police Force’s commitment to professionalism, integrity, and community-focused policing, as it continues efforts to improve public safety and build trust across the region.
