The Ministry of Home Affairs participated in the University of Guyana Berbice Campus (UGBC)’s Inaugural Interdisciplinary Research Conference, held from June 23 to 25, 2025, under the theme “Embracing Innovation and Change through Interdisciplinary Perspectives.”
This milestone conference formed a signature element of UGBC’s 25th Anniversary celebrations, marking a quarter-century of academic distinction, institutional development, and community service. The event brought together a wide cross-section of scholars, professionals, policymakers, and agency representatives from Guyana and the wider region to engage in dialogue around innovative, cross-sectoral approaches to contemporary challenges.
The Ministry’s involvement, coordinated through its Research Department and Trafficking in Persons Unit, in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Prison Service, Guyana Fire Service, and the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), featured both an interactive exhibition booth and a series of expert-led technical presentations.
The Ministry’s booth highlighted several key areas of focus, including Innovation in public safety and inter-agency coordination, Fire safety and prevention, Drug awareness and anti-narcotics efforts, Safe policing practices, Safe custody and rehabilitation of offenders and The “Do the Right Thing” road safety campaign, initiated by Honourable Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Robeson Benn, to promote responsible road use among motorists and pedestrians alike.
The Ministry made significant contributions to the technical sessions of the conference through the following presentations:
• “Guyana’s Efforts to Combat Trafficking in Persons: Trends and Challenges”
Presented by: Mr. Daniel Griffith, Coordinator, Ministerial Task Force on TIP
Co-presenter: Ms. Stephanie Monasingh, Translator, TIP Unit, Ministry of Home Affairs
• “Impact of the Prison System on Security and Public Safety: Role and Function of the Prison System and New Developments”
Presented by: Mr. Kevin Pilgrim, Deputy Director of Prisons, Guyana Prison Service
• “How the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit Can Leverage Innovation and Interdisciplinary Collaboration to Stay Ahead in the Fight Against Narcotics Trafficking”
Presented by: Mr. Curt Richards, Head of GUYDIN
Co-presenter: Mr. Anthony Dhanhai, Intelligence Officer II, CANU
• “Key Developments and Innovative Strategies within the Guyana Police Force Aimed at Enhancing Operational Effectiveness, Community Engagement, and Adaptive Responses to Evolving Security Challenges”
Presented by: Deputy Superintendent Ms. Alva Solomon, Guyana Police Force
• “Strengthening Public Security in Guyana through Innovation and Synergy Across Disciplines”
Presented by: Ms. Jasmin Louisy, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Ministry of Home Affairs.
The Ministry’s participation in the UGBC Interdisciplinary Research Conference reaffirmed its commitment to research-informed policymaking, innovation-driven service delivery, and meaningful inter-agency collaboration. These elements continue to serve as foundational pillars in the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national security and enhance public trust.