A total sum of $100.3 billion has been allocated in the 2026 budget to strengthen national security, including the continued modernisation of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the training of 5,000 personnel, according to Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh.
Dr Singh noted that over the past five years, the government has invested in police stations, living quarters, boat houses, transport assets, body cameras, and surveillance technology to improve operational capacity, visibility, and responsiveness. In 2025, $6.2 billion was spent under the Safe Country Initiative, which established 781 Intelligent Video Surveillance sites across priority regions.
For 2026, the budget includes $3.6 billion for infrastructure upgrades, including the Brickdam Police Station, 11 additional police stations, and a modern police training academy at Dora. A further $900 million is allocated to enhance transport capabilities, while $5 billion continues the Safe Country Initiative and $245.8 million supports the expansion of community policing networks.
“Over the next five years, we will substantially expand police presence within all communities and will commence the design of an automated fleet management system to improve responsiveness. To further expand the Force’s transport capabilities, an additional $900 million is budgeted in 2026,” the finance minister said.
Dr Singh emphasised that the $250 million allocated for training will enhance professionalism, skills, and accountability, ensuring a capable, citizen-focused, and technology-driven police force for Guyana.
“In 2026, we will continue to focus our efforts on the continuous professional development of ranks with the allocation of $250 million towards training of 5,000 ranks. Other initiatives include the strengthening of supervisory and accountability practices of the force to ensure the integrity and accountability of personnel by transitioning into a merit-based system of performance assessments that prioritises demonstrated competence and professionalism of ranks.”