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Security personnel who have not renewed their licences are “working outside of the law”.

Security Officer at the National Security Investigation Unit in the Prime Minister’s Office, Leonard Cyrus, is reminding all security guards, private investigators and security agencies of Section 14 of the Private Investigators and Security Guards Act Cap 372 E.

It states that “no person may provide services as a private investigator or security guard, or operate an agency engaged in the business of providing the services of private investigator or security guards unless under the Act”.

Therefore, Mr. Cyrus said, those who had not renewed their licences should immediately visit the Weymouth Corporate Centre at Roebuck Street.

The Act also states that a licence is valid for one calendar year –  January 1 to December 31.  “The government gives a one-month grace period – January 1 to January 31; and by February 1, security personnel must be licensed according to the Act.

“If they are not licensed, then they are not security guards, and on visitation, if they are caught, the fine is $5,000, two years’ imprisonment, or both. The agencies which employ them will also be charged because the Act states that no agency shall employ a person unless he is licensed,” he stated.

Mr. Cyrus noted that a substantial number of security personnel had renewed their licences, explaining that during January, the office processed about 100 applications daily.

He reminded security personnel that a valid Police Certificate of Character must be submitted with the renewal application. This certificate is valid for a period of six months after the issue date.

Non-nationals applying for, or renewing licences must provide documentation verifying that they are residents or citizens of Barbados, or have work permits, which allow them to work. 

Entities should ensure that security agencies, private investigators and security guard licences are current, when engaging their services.

For further information, persons may email leonard.cyrus@barbados.gov.bb, or call 535-5467 or 535-5300.

sharon.austingill-moore@barbados.gov.bb

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