B Division listens to Corentyne stakeholders

– Assures heightened presence for Xmas season

DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, December 11, 2018 

In his first public meeting in the Corentyne area since becoming Commander of B Division, Paul Langevine met with various stakeholders to discuss and address a number of issues.

Present at the large public meeting were members of the business community, non-governmental organisations, neighbourhood democratic councils, religious leaders and educators in the Central and Upper Corentyne area.

Religious leader and activist Mustapha Ali receives a plaque from Commander of B Division Paul Langevine.

Some of the stakeholders at the meeting.

Commander of B Division Paul Langevine(third left),Deputy Commander Wayne DeHearte(second right),Traffic Officer Timothy Williams( left) along with other senior Officers listens to the concerns of stakeholders at a Meeting held at the Whim Police Station.

Along with Commander Paul Langevine, the representatives met with Deputy Commander Wayne DeHearte, Divisional Traffic Officer Timothy Williams, Officer in Charge of Number Two Sub-Division Boodnarine Persaud as well as officers in charge of the various stations within the district.

Langevine paid keen attention to the wide variety of issues raised such as substance abuse, crime prevention, traffic congestion, noise nuisance, fuel trafficking, cattle rustling, capacity building of junior ranks, animals on the roadways, and increased security for the holidays among others.

The new commander made it clear he has an open-door policy and wants to hear grievances as that is the only way they can be addressed. “I stated clearly of my open-door policy… if persons are dissatisfied with what they are getting at that lower level they should see someone at the senior level. I have shared the contacts of the senior persons in the region. I encourage you to make use of it. We want to work with you members of the public and we want to ensure we do our job how it should be done.”

The commander emphasised that all information given will be treated with confidentiality and noted that members of the public being treated unfairly would be unacceptable.

“Don’t be afraid of what will happen if you complain about someone. I need the complaints because that’s the only way we can get it right. I want people to be comfortable in airing their views and seeing what is bothering them because the police have a job to do.”

In addressing several traffic concerns including the parking of heavy-duty vehicles on the road shoulders for a lengthy time, Traffic Officer Timothy Williams appealed to owners to desist. To this end, he noted the Police will be seeking the support of NDC’s in issuing letters to owners.  “We cannot do it alone, NDC’s support is needed, we cannot continue to have derelict vehicles on the road shoulders,” he stressed.

Williams is also urging rice farmers to avoid drying paddy on the public road since it poses as a danger to vehicle users.

Erwin Abdulla, a resident of Fyrish, spoke of the prevalence of alcohol use among youths and called on community leaders to take a stance in educating young people on the dangers of substance abuse.  “I am very reassured and comforted by the words of the Commander when he says he wants to make a difference. We have to be strong in our communities for us to be community leaders. We have to focus on the youths and how we can cutdown on these societal ills.”

Meanwhile, the police announced for the period November 15 2018 to January 15 2018 there will be an increase in security personnel in residential and busy shopping areas. The police also disclosed heightened special operations by CID and Intelligence ranks around commercial banks and other business entities are currently enforced.

Additionally, Langevine explained that improved police visibility serves as a primary deterrent, as such residents will notice increased patrols including, mobile, bicycle and motorcycle on a 24-hour basis while foot patrol will be conducted between 7 and 7 pm. He also cautioned members of the public to be vigilant at all times and avoid moving large sums of cash or valuables without proper security systems in place.

Meanwhile, philanthropist and religious leader Mustapha Ali of Tain, Corentyne was honoured by Officer in Charge of Number 2 Sub-division, Boodnarine Persaud for his stellar contributions made over the years to the Whim Police Station and Guyana Police Force. Ali received a plaque and certificate of appreciation for his over forty years of service and partnership with the GPF.

Story and Images: Nafeeza Sakur.