$22.2B for public safety and security
-$15.3 billion for GPF
-three new blocks for Lusignan Prison
-Central Fire Station to be relocated
Some $22.2 billion has been earmarked in Budget 2021 as the Government works to provide a safe and secure environment for all.
Of that amount, $15.3 billion has been allocated to the Guyana Police Force with $300 million to be spent on its land and water fleet countrywide.
This was disclosed by Senior Minister in the Office of the President, Hon. Dr. Ashni Singh while he presented the $383.1 billion budget to the National Assembly on Friday.
The sum of $830 million has been allocated for the rehabilitation and maintenance of the Providence, Ruimveldt, Cove and John, Albion, Whim, Parika, Wismar police stations among others. Additionally, some 828 police ranks will undergo training in 20 different courses to improve their investigative and forensic capabilities Minister Singh said.
The Finance Minister added that the Government will be resuscitating the Community Policing Groups countrywide with $95 million allotted to the groups to strengthen neighbourhood patrols and visibility.
Meanwhile, $5 billion has been allocated to enhance the operations of the Guyana Prison Service. Steps will be taken to address the overcrowding of prisons countrywide. Work will commence on the construction of three new blocks at the Lusignan Prison to accommodate 600 inmates.
Dr. Singh also revealed that during the first quarter a building will be completed at the Mazaruni Prison to accommodate 220 high profile inmates. Work is also underway at the New Amsterdam Prison.
The sum of $50 million has also been allocated to train inmates in the areas of anger management, literacy, agriculture, and culinary arts. Added to that, 30 incarcerated youths will benefit from digital skills training to support rehabilitation and social transformation upon their release.
And the Guyana Fire Service will receive $1.9 billion from Budget 2021. This accounts for the relocation of the Central Fire Station from the congested Stabroek Market, construction of a new fire station at Eccles, six water tenders and two ambulances.
Budget 2021 was read under the theme ‘A Path to Recovery, Economic Dynamism and Resilience’.