Georgetown, Guyana — The Guyana Police Force on Friday announced a sweeping operational plan aimed at boosting public safety, easing traffic congestion and strengthening community engagement throughout the busy Christmas season.
The initiative, unveiled at the Police Officers’ Mess Annexe in Georgetown, activates from November 15, 2025, through January 15, 2026, covering what is traditionally the country’s most intense period for commerce, travel and social activity.
Deputy Commissioner of Administration Ravindradat Budhram, delivering opening remarks at the launch, said the Force has made “clear, measurable progress” in recent years and intends to maintain a calm and secure environment as thousands of Guyanese and visitors move through shopping hubs and entertainment districts.
“We want every citizen and every visitor to enjoy the holidays without fear,” Budhram said, adding that community partnerships remain essential to reducing crime and ensuring safe public spaces.
Senior commanders used the event to outline new and expanded measures for the 2025–26 operations. Deputy Commissioner (Law Enforcement) Wendell Blanhum, Regional Division 4’A’ Commander Simon McBean, and Traffic Chief Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Singh detailed an approach that includes stronger foot, bicycle and motorcycle patrols; increased mobile and static checkpoints; and enhanced drone surveillance in busy corridors.
The Force will also deploy police booths at high-traffic hotspots, reinforce traffic controls, and target congestion in commercial districts—particularly Georgetown—where crowds typically swell in the weeks leading up to Christmas and New Year’s Day.
McBean, echoing Budhram’s call for collaboration, said the Force’s ability to maintain safety depends heavily on public cooperation and on maintaining strong ties with communities. Police officials noted that recent reductions in serious crimes are linked to consistent engagement through outreach events, local partnerships and ongoing crime-prevention talks.
Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken, delivering the feature address, tied the holiday plan to the broader 2022–2026 Strategic Plan, noting that the Force has been working systematically to modernise operations and deepen public trust.
Hicken highlighted what he described as unprecedented improvements in the academic qualifications of officers, crediting government scholarships and agreements with universities for strengthening the institutional capacity of the Force. “This is the most academically qualified officer corps in the history of the Guyana Police Force,” he said.
The Commissioner also announced that police presence will be maintained around the clock in all regions on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve—two of the country’s busiest nights. He urged divisional commanders to continue prioritising crime and traffic concerns during community interactions, stressing that a rapidly developing country must safeguard its human and economic resources.
“Crime and traffic are the hallmark of the Guyana Police Force,” Hicken said. “We will ensure we are on top of crime and on top of traffic so that citizens can move about without fear.”
The launch began with a prayer led by Superintendent Elston Baird, Head of the Office of Professional Responsibility, and concluded with commitments from all senior officers to sustain the heightened posture throughout the holiday period.