-by Kristin Josiah
The announcement of former Region 4 Chairman Daniel Seeram being appointed National Coordinator of Guyana’s newly established Border Patrol Units was made by President Dr. Irfan Ali during a weekend outreach in Rukumutu, Region 9, where the first Border Patrol Unit was officially launched.
The initiative will integrate community policing groups from Rukumutu, Yurong Paru, and Tiperu, expanding membership from 30 to 40 persons.
Members will receive stipends and operational support, including three all-terrain vehicles to assist with Border Patrol activities.
In an interview with NCN News, Seeram explained the unit’s primary role.
“The role of the unit is to detect, deter and dismantle all transnational smuggling networks.This entails human trafficking, narcotics trafficking, trafficking of arms and ammunition, trafficking of our natural resources and all other illicit trade on all of our borders throughout Guyana. Whether it be land or rivering,” he said.
Seeram expressed strong confidence in the initiative, noting collaboration with the Guyana Police Force, Defence Force, and National Intelligence and Security Agency. He said several government agencies, including natural resources and forestry bodies, will support the unit’s operations.
Recruitment will initially focus on vetted community policing members, with additional vacancies to be advertised in the coming weeks.
“Primarily, we are going to start with recruitment from those communities with the established community policing groups,” he said.
He also noted that the community policing groups will be expanded to cover all bordering, riverine and coastal regions across Guyana.