Community Policing established in more hinterland regions

– clamp down on several large-scale criminal activities

DPI, Guyana, Friday, March 8, 2019

Guyana’s borders are now strengthened with the establishment of Community Policing Groups (CPGs) in several hinterland regions.

These include Regions One, Barima-Waini, Seven, Cuyuni-Mazaruni and Nine, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo.

This was disclosed by Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan as the CPGs rolled out their month of activities for their 43^rd anniversary. Minister Ramjattan said the move was in keeping with a call by President David Granger in relation to the influx of immigrants in border communities.

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan.

– Community Police Groups Liaison Officers at the roll out 43rd anniversary schedule.

– Community Police Groups Liaison Officers at the roll out 43rd anniversary schedule.

In Region One there is a total of 189 CPGs with 62 in Region Seven and an additional 15 in Region Nine. Minister Ramjattan also highlighted that the CPGs have also been receiving assistance from international bodies which have proven to be fruitful.

“We feel that all of this is all very necessary and of course the Ministry of Public Security has been giving tremendous support to these various groups in the form of assets, ATVs, vehicles, the uniforms  and all the other paraphernalia that is required and because of this, we have been having very high success rates in sharing information with the police in relation to some very serious offences” he stated.

The Public Security Minister commended the CPGs for the work they have done and is urging more persons to get on board to help create a safer Guyana. He noted that it is the duty of every citizen to create safe communities.

Additionally, in 2017 there were just over 5000 patrols carried out by CPGs compared to over 9000 carried out in 2018.  This increase CPG Administrator, Dennis Pompey said has yielded tremendous benefits.

“This has helped us uncover intelligence of prime criminal activities such as the carjacking ring that was dismantled on the East Coast and the Soesdyke Linden Highway, an illegal airstrip in Region nine, also in Kwakwani we were able to recover stolen equipment such as outboard engines” Pompey pointed out.

The theme for this year’s anniversary is “Community Policing: Partners in the promotion of a safe and secure nation.” Some of the activities scheduled include spelling bees, a women’s conference, interfaith service, a youth conference, a march and a fun day.

Isaiah Braithwaite.

Images: Ameer Sattaur.