Director of the National Intelligence & Security Agency, Colonel Sheldon Howell, has stated that the advancement in Guyana’s national security architecture is seeing results, noting that the country is now in a better position to detect crime and criminality by the use of drones and other technological tools.

Speaking during the Government produced programme “Safeguarding the Nation”, Colonel Howell noted that the use drones has resulted in the detection of illegal airstrips and mining camps deep in the Hinterland. 

He said because of those interventions, teams were deployed to shut down the illegal operations, which were posing a safety and security risk.

“When Venezuelan illegal vessels cross into our waters, we have radar systems and coastal surveillance systems along with GPS patrols that let us intercept these vessels and protect our territories.  In the cities, we have CCTV cameras and the new e-ticketing system which helps to reduce traffic violations and assist in police investigations,” Colonel Howell stated.

He said in the Hinterland communities, cross border tracking systems are being used to allow security agencies to track the movements of people which helps to understand potential threats.

“But at the heart of it is the command centre which connects the dots and help us to respond quickly. You may not see it work all the time but it is working behind the scenes to keep our country and people safe,” the NISA director says.

He noted that because of the technological advancements, there is concern about whether the security and privacy fo citizens could be compromised.

Howell said while sophisticated cameras and Artificial Intelligence tools are being used to keep the country safe, security agencies stick strictly to the laws which govern their operations.

In cases where there is video recordings, he said the footage is logged and audited and systems are in place to ensure traceability. 

“The point is simple, these tools are not threats, once it’s used with discipline, purpose it will earn the public trust,” he said.

According to Colonel Howell, one of the most active security work right now is to keep the country’s national patrimony safe, and all agencies are implementing measures to ensure that they work in tandem to achieve these goals.

“This is one of  the most active national security work right now. You must remember that Guyana’s patrimony is not just the oil, gold or timber, it our identity our sovereignty and our future and there are many attempts by illicit actors to exploit it” he noted.

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