U.S. to provide election security training for GPF ahead of September 1 polls
The United States (U.S.) will soon deploy a team of police trainers to support the Guyana Police Force (GPF) with election security ahead of the September 1 General and Regional elections.
The move is part of broader support for safeguarding the integrity of Guyana’s democratic process, U.S. Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot has confirmed.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Ambassador Theriot explained that the training initiative follows a formal request from the GPF.
“It was just a result of a request from the GPF that this was something they could use, and we’re happy to provide it,” she said. “Our elections, no matter how contentious, are generally peaceful, and we have a lot of expertise in this area in the U.S.”
The Ambassador stated that the trainers are expected to come from either Las Vegas or Miami-Dade, with final arrangements being finalised. The training will follow a “train-the-trainers” model, allowing GPF officers to replicate the training across the wider force.
“Hopefully it’ll be peaceful, but we’re preparing for all possibilities,” Theriot added.
As part of its election support, the U.S. is also contributing to the presence of local and international observers. The embassy itself will deploy approximately 50 personnel on election day and is also funding two-thirds of the OAS election observation mission, according to the Ambassador.
“We’re also working closely with the Carter Center, which has already arrived, and we’ve supported the embedded advisors in GECOM who came through the UNDP,” she said. “This is all coordinated with the UK, EU, and Canadian missions.”
Theriot emphasised that collaboration among all international observer groups, including the Private Sector Commission and CARICOM, is key to ensuring comprehensive and non-duplicative coverage of polling stations.
Asked about her confidence in the upcoming election, Ambassador Theriot said she was aware of public concerns regarding the voters’ list and past issues, but stressed that the United States is focused on supporting transparency and the process.
“I’m not Guyanese, and this is not my country, but we’ve heard concerns from citizens and opposition leaders,” she noted. “We meet regularly with GECOM, the Chairwoman, Commissioners, and CEO, and based on how they’ve outlined the process, we believe the election can be free, fair, and transparent if procedures are followed at every polling station.”
The Ambassador reiterated that the United States remains committed to strengthening Guyana’s democratic institutions and ensuring that the election process benefits from technical, security, and monitoring support.
