GEORGETOWN, Guyana — The Government of Guyana is exploring the introduction of GPS-enabled ankle-monitoring devices as part of its strategy to strengthen protections for victims of domestic violence and improve enforcement of restraining orders, the Department of Public Information reported.
DPI quoted Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond as saying that discussions are underway on the possible rollout of electronic tracking technology that would alert authorities if an offender enters a prohibited zone or approaches a protected individual.
“An ankle-monitoring system would allow us to send real-time automated alerts if an individual approaches a restricted area or comes near a victim,” the minister said. “It’s another way of using technology to save lives.”
According to DPI, the initiative forms part of the government’s wider Safe City strategy, which already incorporates facial recognition, vehicle tracking, and license-plate recognition systems aimed at enhancing public safety and law enforcement responsiveness.
DPI also quoted Minister Walrond as saying that the proposal is being examined alongside other measures to build greater trust between citizens and the police. “People want to feel that there is a police force they can trust, one that cares and will respond when needed,” she said.
The report noted that while the ankle-monitoring system is still under consideration, the government is focused on a holistic approach that includes rehabilitation, community engagement, and education to tackle the root causes of violence.
These combined efforts, DPI said, form part of the administration’s mission to ensure that every citizen—especially women and children—can live free from fear and violence.
Once implemented, the initiative could make Guyana one of the few Caribbean nations to adopt real-time electronic monitoring in domestic violence prevention efforts.