Belle West residents raise issues during meet with Ministers Ramjattan, Allicock
─ residents promised relief from noise nuisance
─ “We must name and shame them!” Min. Ramjattan encourages citizens to identify transgressors
DPI, Guyana, Monday, April 29, 2019
Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock have promised residents of Belle West, West Bank of Demerara relief from a businessman who is considered a serial noise nuisance.
As part of its ‘taking government to the people’ exercise, Ministers Ramjattan and Allicock met with 100 residents following a well-attended outreach at the National Track and Field Centre at Edinburgh.
One issue was that of the noise nuisance caused by a wealthy businessman who, residents claimed, seemed to think he was above the law. The complaint against the businessman centred around his constant playing of music, threats against his neighbours and his ability to get off charges despite being taken before the court several times. Minister Ramjattan warned the Divisional Commander Senior Superintendent, Edmond Cooper to step up efforts to not only charge the errant businessman but also to seize his music set and suspend his fitness license for a canter on which the music set would be placed.
He emphasised that a hard line would be taken against transgressors and reminded that ranks are, and will continue to be, trained in the use of decibel meters. This, he said, will be used to substantiate the claims made and solidify the case to successfully prosecute noise nuisances. He added, “We must name and shame them!”
Residents also complained about the attitude by many ranks attached to the Wales Police Station. It was noted that the community has been beset by constant petty thievery by gangs of youths who prowl the mostly dark streets at night. Many of these young people reportedly ride motorcycles without licenses. Minister Ramjattan vowed to take a personal interest and along with the commander to rectify the situation.
Among suggestions to improve security was the need for additional street lights and a police outpost, possibly sited next to the primary school on an empty lot. They were informed that street lights were available but GPL would only install them within the side streets and access road once the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) contractually agrees to pay the estimated $300 per month cost for each light. A similar exercise was done in Bath Settlement, but residents reneged on promises to assist the NDC to pay the bill, the minister disclosed. As such, this forced GPL to eventually remove the streetlights as it breached the contractual arrangement with the NDC.
The minister said that all efforts would be made for the police to step up patrols and examine the possibility of constructing the outpost. He noted, however, that the latter depended on the number of residents within the community and the prevalence of crime.
Other issues raised included the need for land reforms to utilise lands for cash crop farming, cattle rearing, gun licenses for long-standing community leaders, better drainage and irrigation for persons displaced by the closure of the Wales Estate, who wished to undertake cash crop farming and better access roads and bridges.
The requests and complaints were all recorded and contact information taken by staffers of the ministry for urgent follow-ups. Issues outside of the Public Security Ministry’s remit will be raised with and addressed by the relevant authorities.
Minister Ramjattan described the meeting, and others being conducted, as necessary since they are part of the Coalition Government’s effort to get a first-hand picture, “of what is happening on the ground.
“The government will continue to have direct contact with communities to meet their requirements,” since often “information is not flowing as it should,” Minister Ramjattan explained.
Paul Mc Adam
Images: Keno George