‘G’ Division police officers continue to engage the public

― 68 more women register for free computer classes sponsored by the ZARA group of companies and Police Force

― Essequibo Chamber of Commerce welcome police engagement

― Hire car drivers promised full cooperation  

DPI, Guyana, Thursday, April 11, 2019

“Trust between the community and police officers is crucial in solving crimes… When there is a lack of cooperation from community members, police officers lack the basic information necessary to carry out the tailored crime-prevention and problem-solving strategies; therefore, community-based initiatives are necessary if we are to become successful in reducing crime.”

This is the view of Divisional Commander Senior Superintendent, Khali Pareshram who is responsible for the Guyana Police Force’s ‘G’ Division. His unit has held three community-oriented meetings in recent times to strengthen the relationship between the force and civilians and in so doing held.

Guyana Police Force’s G Division, Commander Senior Superintendent, Khali Pareshram.

Police Officer [far right] engaging the youth at Lima Sands playfield.

Police Officer [far right] speaking with young girls from the Lima Sands Village.

The first engagement was held with hire car operators on in early April, where several concerns were raised including touts at the Supenaam stelling area, parking of private vehicles amongst hire cars, unprofessional behaviour of some police officers, hire car drivers not obeying the rules.

Commander Pareshram promised the more than 40 hire car drivers present at the meeting that their concerns will be addressed and called on the drivers to cooperate with the law enforcement officers. He noted that the engagement informed him on what is happening on the ground and promised more engagements of this nature with the hire car drivers. The drivers, in return, promised their full cooperation.

The Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI) had a similar engagement with the Commander and his team on April 4. Several issues were raised at that meeting including the need for increased security presence key regional events; more roadblocks especially during the nights, addressing the issue of stray animals on the road, the drying of paddy on the road, vehicles with LED and other bright lights as well as tractors with bright lights at their rear,

The commander assured the team from the ECCI that his division will work closely with them in addressing the many concerns raised and called on the body to play a greater role in community engagement especially by fulfilling their corporate responsibility. Another meeting is slated for Tuesday, April 16 where a report is expected to be presented from both parties concerning the progress made thus far.

Officers of the division also visited the community of Lima Sands and engaged young people as it relates to good hygiene practices, safe use of the road, peer pressure, drugs, suicide and good discipline. The force also registered 68 women who will attend free computer classes at the Richard Faikall Hall in the compound of the Suddie Police Station. Transportation will be provided free of cost and comes compliments of the ZARA group of companies and the Guyana Police Force.

Senior Superintendent, Khali Pareshram noted that his community engagements have thus far, positively impacted his management of the division and the resident of Region 2 and the Essequibo Islands for their trust in the police force.

Story and Images: Ganesh Mahipaul.