Guyana Police Force’s Inspectors’ Conference Opens with Urgent Call for Transformation
The Guyana Police Force’s Inspectors’ Conference commenced with a decisive address from Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond, emphasizing that the responsibility for driving policing transformation in 2026 rests squarely on the Inspectors.
Held under the theme “Modern Policing for a Modern Nation: Integrating Technology, Innovation, and Leadership to Strengthen Public Safety and Trust,” Minister Walrond made it clear that the two-day conference was “not ceremonial… not routine,” but rather “operational.”
“You serve at a defining moment in our nation’s history,” she declared to the assembly. “Guyana is transforming rapidly, and security must keep pace. Reform will not succeed simply because it is announced; it will succeed through stronger, more consistent, and more accountable supervision.”
Referencing His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s Eight Pillars for transforming the Force—ranging from justice system integration to digital policing and community partnerships—Minister Walrond stressed that these initiatives are “not mere conference themes or documents for shelves.”
“Their success depends entirely on execution at the station level,” she asserted. “These pillars will advance or stall based on the quality of your supervision.”
The Minister reminded Inspectors of their critical roles in determining standards, ensuring that case files leaving stations are complete, accurate, and court-ready; that technology is used with discipline and accountability; and that traffic and border enforcement remains consistent, impartial, and rigorous.
In her address, she underscored the necessity for the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to operate proactively in 2026. “Growth brings heightened risks, and weak enforcement creates openings for organized crime,” she warned.
“Your leadership must be visible, measurable, and consistent,” she insisted. “Investment in this Force is justified not by the resources provided, but by decreases in crime, improved response times, and strengthened public confidence.”
Quoting Standing Order No. 6, she reinforced the Inspectors’ statutory duties: “This is not ceremonial language. It defines your authority and duty. If enforced consistently, discipline strengthens, performance improves, and public confidence grows.”
Minister Walrond was unequivocal in her message regarding corruption: “Corruption is not a minor breach; it is a national security threat. It thrives where supervision is weak.”
She also highlighted the urgent need to address the treatment of vulnerable groups, stating, “A Force that fails the vulnerable cannot build trust. Domestic violence and sexual offences must be prioritized, with victims treated with dignity.”
In closing, she emphasized that the architecture for modern policing is already established—resources, policies, strategies, and presidential direction are in place. “What remains is execution, and that execution rests with you,” she concluded. “Performance will not be measured by effort; it will be measured by results.”
Minister Walrond charged the Inspectors with the responsibility of ensuring visible and active supervision, maintaining court-ready case files, enforcing traffic regulations consistently, disrupting organized crime proactively, and adopting a zero-tolerance stance toward corruption.
“Inspectors, this is your charge,” she stated firmly as she concluded her address.
