‘Every life matters’ -President emphasizes in talking up security

president Irfaan Ali interacts with heads of the discipline services on his arrival at his inauguration 

Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Irfaan Ali, on Saturday underscored the importance of the safety of every Guyanese and pledged to ensure that the security forces, especially the Guyana Police Force, is properly equipped in order to fulfill its mandate.

He stressed that every life in the nation matters and that his government will ensure that every life is protected from harm in the society, as it is the duty and responsibility of the government to work towards that goal.

President Ali’s convoy on its way to the NCC under heavy protection on land and air

At the moment, a number of police divisions are without adequate patrol vehicles, obsolete firearms and poor infrastructure, all contributing to some members of the force not being motivated enough to give of their best to the organisation and, by extension, the country.

Ali said that in order for there to be strong democracy, there ought to be robust security. “Every citizen, every home, every business place must feel safe from criminals and from crime,” the Commander-In-Chief noted.

Today the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Prison Service, Guyana Defence Force, and Guyana Fire Service all put on a spectacular parade for their new Commander-In-Chief at his inauguration which was held at the National Cultural Centre.

President Ali was very firm in the need for the security services to be properly equipped as they seek to rid the country of criminal elements.

“The air that we breathe in our beloved Guyana must be free from crime. Therefore, my Government will strengthen the police force to provide it with the tools it needs to keep our people safe including training, modern equipment, adequate vehicles and the capacity for rapid response,” President Ali asserted.

The security posture for the event appears to have been handled excellently, with the Guyana Police Force leading the operations and backed up by the other joint services arms, including the Guyana Fire Service and Guyana Defence Force.

Operational procedures for the event was divided into three sections – the route to the venue for the president, Prime Minister, VIPs and VVIPs; the security of and at the venue; and the last section which spoke to departure from the venue.

Assistant Commissioner Operations: Clifton Hicken at Saturday’s Inauguration

Assistant Commissioner Operations Clifton Hicken supervised the posture, with strong support from Commissioner of Police Nigel Hoppie, Fire Chief Marlon Gentle and Head of the Guyana Defence Force Godfrey Bess.

The ministers of government were shuttled to the venue under security in Guyana Defence Force buses, while the Prime Minister was escorted to the location by his security, followed by the president, who also had aerial support as part of the security detail for today’s event.

A number of other dignitaries were present at the event, including the President of Suriname and his Foreign Affairs Minister, an Envoy from Barbados, members of the Diplomatic community and several prominent local businessmen and women.

Notably present today at the Inauguration also was Peoples National Congress Reform Executive Member Carl Greenidge.