BUDGET: $38.9 Billion allocated to Security sector for development and modernisation

In the budget presentation, Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill said additional resources will be deployed to improve investigative and forensic capabilities and provide equipment, facilities and training for law enforcement

BUDGET: $38.9 Billion allocated to Security sector for development and modernisation

With a plan to be tough on crime and to modernize the country’s crime-fighting capabilities, the Government is allocating $38.9 Billion in the budget to aid the security sector.

In the budget presentation, Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill said additional resources will be deployed to improve investigative and forensic capabilities and provide equipment, facilities and training for law enforcement

“Government will also focus on expanding the use of ICT in the fight against crime, providing better remuneration and conditions for the officers in our security forces and ensuring greater accountability by the Police Force for solving crime. Further, our Administration will seek to reform the prison system, to improve conditions and ensure compulsory training and educational opportunities for prisoners, security and safety prison officers. Government is allocating $38.9 billion in 2020 to propel this agenda”, Edghill announced.

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He said over $1 billion has been allocated for to complete modernisation and rehablitation works at a number of Police stations across the country.

“These stations include headquarters at Anna Regina, Fort Wellington, Mabaruma, Golden Grove and Mahdia. In addition, police stations will be constructed at Cove and John, Brickdam, Matthew’s Ridge, Leonora, Lethem, Whim, Albion, Parika, Wismar and Mahdia. Additionally, Government has set aside $428.1 million for the procurement of 50 vehicles to ensure our police officers are adequately equipped to fight crime.”

The Works Minister also announced that in the area of prison reform and improvement, the administration will continue to invest in the provision of training opportunities for both inmates and prison management staff.

Additionally, it will continue to work on the Mazaruni and Georgetown prisons and will commence reconstruction of the Lusignan prison. Other prison facilities are to be upgraded.

The Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn is expected to detail more of the Government’s plans for the security sector when the Budget Debates begin.

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