National Intelligence Agency to increase border patrols in light of border row and oil and gas activities

National Intelligence Agency to increase border patrols in light of border row and oil and gas activities

The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) will be intensifying its border patrols this year as oil and gas activities ramp up offshore Guyana, Governance Minister, Gail Teixeira has announced.

The agency’s budget for 2023 was increased by more than $100 million, prompting Opposition Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul to inquire about the hefty increase.

“The reason for the variance and the request for the increase is for the increase in operational funding to conduct more operations along our borders, within our maritime zone and across the spectrum of crime intelligence,” Minister Teixeira told the Committee of Supply of the National Assembly.

According to the Minister of Governance, security remains an important aspect for the country, since lots of activities are now occurring along Guyana’s maritime space.

She said it is important that not only NISA, but all security agencies be well-equipped and well-funded to respond to challenges that may arise.

“As you are aware there are border issues and there are border security matters, so maritime security will be further heightened and particularity now that we have oil and gas rigs out in our waters etc; so this is to address a number of heightened security concerns in terms of intelligence gathering and operations,” the Minister said.

The Government will injecting $58.6 Billion into the security sector this year.

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