Home Crime Benn hails security transformation as Ramjattan demands more focus on training

Benn hails security transformation as Ramjattan demands more focus on training

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Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn (left) and AFC Parliamentarian Khemraj Ramjattan during the budget debate

The 2025 National Budget Debate continued on Monday where the allocation for security infrastructure became a hot topic with heated exchanges between the Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, and Shadow Minister Khemraj Ramjattan.

Ramjattan, who served 34 years in the National Assembly and was Minister of Public Security, argued that the government’s approach to security spending is flawed.

He acknowledged the substantial budget increase from $94 billion in 2024 to almost $109 billion in 2025, a rise of 14.5%.

While this is impressive, he contended that much of the increase is skewed towards physical infrastructure rather than strengthening personnel tasked with maintaining law and order.

Ramjattan was particularly critical of the $1.7 billion allocation for the reconstruction of Brickdam Police Station.

“This is a disproportionate allocation,” Ramjattan stated, questioning whether the government is neglecting areas outside Georgetown, such as the hinterland and coastal regions.

Furthermore, Ramjattan raised concerns about the allocation of $250 million for training 1,700 Police Officers.

He argued that this investment is insufficient, as specialised, career-focused training is crucial for preparing officers to respond to emerging crime trends.

“We cannot afford to leave out the human element in our security framework,” he stressed.

His concerns extended beyond the Police force. Ramjattan criticised the government’s approach to prison reform, suggesting that $6.2 billion allocated for prison infrastructure could be better spent on rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.

He argued that improving the conditions within the country’s prisons should be a priority, particularly given the increasing complexities of crime in Guyana, including transnational criminal activities.

In response, Robeson Benn, the Minister of Home Affairs, launched a passionate defence of the government’s security budget.

He described the planned investments as part of a transformative agenda that would modernise the country’s security infrastructure and tackle crime at its roots.

Benn acknowledged the importance of infrastructure but stressed that Guyana is undergoing a period of unprecedented growth, largely due to the country’s oil discoveries. He argued that this transformation is already visible across the nation—new roads, schools, police stations, and fire stations are a testament to the PPP/C government’s commitment to development.

“I had hoped that the member (Ramjattan) would have taken the high road,” Benn said, implying that Ramjattan’s comments were dismissive of the progress that has been made.

Pointing to an increase of over 400% in car registrations from 2017 to 2023, Benn sought to illustrate the growing prosperity of the country.

He suggested that the rise in vehicles, among other indicators, signals a country on the rise, where crime is increasingly being driven by complex international issues rather than purely local concerns.

The government, Benn asserted, is responding to these challenges with targeted investments in infrastructure to ensure a safer future for all.

Benn did not shy away from criticising his political opponent’s track record, accusing Ramjattan of presiding over “shameless” conditions in prisons during his tenure. Referring to a visit he made during the COVID-19 pandemic, Benn described prisoners sleeping under tents in overcrowded conditions, calling it “chicken pen” treatment.

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