In existence for more than a decade, National Security Agency to now operate under new legislation
By Fareeza Haniff
Established as Guyana’s National Intelligence Center in 2010 and then renamed in 2017 by the then President, David Granger, the government is now moving to empower the National Intelligence and Security Agency through new legislation.
The National Intelligence and Security Agency Bill is expected to be laid in the National Assembly on April 24 by the Attorney General as the government seeks to build the country’s defence.
The proposed bill, published in the official gazette, notes that this agency will further enhance the State’s defence and security policy by coordinating law enforcement activities in relation to national intelligence.
The agency already reports directly to the Commander-in-Chief and President, Dr Irfaan Ali. The proposed legislation notes that the agency will provide national intelligence and security advice to the President, Cabinet and entities in the security sector.
The agency was first established via a Cabinet Paper in 2010 and Colonel Omar Khan was appointed the Director; after the government changed in 2015, the APNU+AFC government at the time renamed the agency in 2017.
During an interview with the News Room on Sunday, Colonel Khan dismissed reports in a section of the media that it is a “spy agency,” as he highlighted the years of work invested into making it an effective tool to safeguard the country from any potential threats.
“The agency is not a ‘just come’ agency, we are in existence for over a decade, we would have had the agency pass through two administrations who would have had their input and influence on how the agency would have developed as it is today.
“It’s a combination and collaboration of years of work and what we want the agency to turn out to be. I think importantly, when people hear the word intelligence, there is an apprehension and trepidation about what this could mean.
“So, to allay any fear of what the agency is, you know, putting a tagline of a spy agency…we are not a spy agency, we just collect all information that is readily available. Those that we can’t get, we will request for and really to assess that information, do in-depth analysis and present options for our policymakers to make,” Colonel Khan told the News Room.
In 2016, Colonel Khan proceeded on a one-year military scholarship to the United Kingdom and upon his return, he continued to serve the Guyana Defence Force, however, in 2020, when the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) returned to office, he was again appointed the Director of the agency.
He believes that the proposed legislation to govern the agency is timely, given Guyana’s position on the world stage as the fastest growing economy.
“So, what we wanted to do is to ensure that we formalize this process, that the agency does that they exist like that. Because obviously, if we go to other government agencies and ask for information, it would have to have some process involved.
“With legislation, it affords the agency, not on forceful authority, but it puts us in a position that when we ask for information, there’s a condition and how that information is provided and what we can do with that information and also the person who’s presenting the information is also safeguarded in any way that would allow them to provide that in condition,” the Director explained.
The current make-up of the National Intelligence and Security Agency includes persons from the military, Police Force and the Custom Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) along with a small number of civilians to provide technical support.
According to Khan, the former Commissioner of Police, Leslie James and Assistant Commissioner, Andres Junor also served the agency.
“We work as a team. As it is now, it’s a very close collaboration, enhance coordination, optimization of resources. We have seen a marked improvement in how we operate across the security sector.”
Colonel Khan emphasised that with Guyana now an oil-producing nation that is undergoing rapid transformation, it is important for the agency to be empowered.
“It is important that we understand the national developmental thrust and the agency will work to ensure that we create a safe environment for national development.
“With President Ali, there was it was a catalytic process speed up, with his vision for national development and his vision for national security, it really tied in nicely with how we had existed, what we were doing. And now what we will continue to do. Because of his leadership, we were able to get this legislation up,” the Colonel said.
He also recalled that discussions on this proposed bill started years ago but it was only two years ago that it was refined “to ensure we get to the point where we want to make an agency to contribute, support national development. “
“So, what people see on a daily basis, they might see the police working, arresting people, controlling traffic, checking the ports, etc. But collectively, what we’re doing ultimately is creating a safe environment so that national development will unfold without threats or minimum threats,” the Director noted.
He believes the National Intelligence and Security Agency is playing a key role in keeping people safe.
“But how that trickles down to the people is that they must also live with less stress, they must move about their day to get their things done with freedom of choice, freedom of decision. For us to work to create that environment is a continuous process. We can’t stop and the National Intelligence Agency is playing a role in that aspect.”
In the proposed bill, it states that the agency shall have the power to intercept communications and may request a public body for information; this public body will provide the information within 48 hours or within a reasonable time stated in the request.
The agency will also have the power to inspect any work, document, record or other material and obtain information in any digital or electronic mode or through printouts where such information is stored in a computer of in any other device.
“The agency may, on approval by the President, engage, communicate and operate with foreign agencies to achieve a particular objective in the interest of national intelligence and security,” the proposed bill states.
It adds, “the Director with the approval of the President, may assign officers of the Agency to serve as Liaison officers to embassies abroad when necessary for the fulfilment of the responsibilities of the Agency pursuant to this Act.”
