‘D’ Division leading the way in community engagement projects
– Donates school bags to less fortunate children
DPI, Guyana, Sunday, August 26, 2018
“Part of our mandate is to have meaningful engagements with our community and ensure that public trust is maintained.”
This statement was made by Deputy Superintendent of Police, ‘D’ Division, Patrick Todd at a simple ceremony held at the Pouderyoen Village, West Bank of Demerara where less-fortunate children were presented with school bags. This exercise was arranged by the No. 2 Subdivision of the ‘D’ Division, Guyana Police Force.
Superintendent Todd in his address to the parents and students said, “We recognised a long time ago that as police officers, we need to be more involved in the lives of our residents. Our gesture this afternoon is fruitful because junior and senior officers of this subdivision pooled their resources together and decided to engage our children who are the future of tomorrow.”
The Divisional Commander of ‘D’ Division Snr. Superintendent Rishi Das in an invited comment commended the officers for such a noble gesture. “This is not the first engagement we have had with our communities. We have a track record when it comes to engaging our citizens and I will continue on the foundation laid by my predecessors. There is a playground at Cornelia Ida which we are currently upgrading for the benefit of our people and in the not too distant future I plan to hold scheduled community outreaches so as to maintain the public trust and solicit their advice on the way forward.”
Additionally, students of Wales and LaGrange benefited from a similar exercise. A total of 100 bags were distributed the three locations. Speaking at both Wales and LaGrange Snr. Superintendent Das said that service to the people is the primary objective of the Force and protection is a must. “We at the D Division believe strongly in community development and we know that we must play a role in ensuring our people benefit. Since I have assumed office here in Region Three I have noticed the need to continue engaging you our most valuable stakeholders and let me assure you that once you work with me as I work with you, our region will be the best,” Commander Das stated.
The parents of the students receiving backpacks thanked the police force for what they consider a timely and meaningful engagement.
Essequibo Islands-West Demerara, Region Three has over the last two months seen similar exercises including the Regional Administration making their timely donations (school bags and academic accessories) to students and recently the Private Sector Association of Region Three also doing their part.
Story and Images: Ganesh Manipaul