Improved security for the hinterland

DPI, Guyana, Thursday, October 10, 2019

Minister of Public Security, Hon. Khemraj Ramjattan has assured the leaders of the various Indigenous communities that security will be enhanced throughout the hinterland. This assurance was given at the 13th National Toshaos’ Council (NTC) Conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

During the session, the leaders raised several issues relating to their safety. These included increased patrols, firearm licenses, upgrade to police stations and outpost, the establishment of community policing groups and the need for professionalism within the police force.

Minister Ramjattan, in response, said these are issues which will be addressed. He highlighted that to effectively deal with security, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has since aligned every region with a divisional commander. That move, he said, will allow the police force to be more hands-on with matters relating to their respective regions.

He also highlighted that the Public Security Ministry has already begun taking steps to increase police patrols in the hinterland regions.

“Because of the terrain, we have also started a process of mountain patrols… it is a useful alternative to get into areas where vehicles cannot get into at this time,” he explained.

To complement what is already ongoing, Minister Ramjattan further explained that “the transportation at the borders will have to be enhanced. Speedboat and speedboat engines will have to be provided. We had made preparations in the 2020 budget for a number of these transportation allocations for all these frontier territories.”

With that, Minister Ramjattan called on the Indigenous leaders to encourage more of the residents in their respective communities to join the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

“I would like [to encourage], especially the young men and women joining up so that you can return and serve in your communities. What has been the benefit of policemen who Indigenous way of life… they make better policemen for those communities” Minister Ramjattan underscored.

He also urged them to form policing community groups and pledged to provide uniforms and transportation for the CPGs to conduct patrols at a later date. He noted that CPGs have proven to be effective in complementing the Guyana Police Force to better curb crime.

Minister Ramjattan disclosed that an ATV, boat and an outboard engine will be delivered to the CPG in White Water, Mabaruma sub-district, and Barima-Waini (Region 1) next weekend.

On the issue of lack of professionalism with some officers of the force, Minister Ramjattan assured the leaders of the communities that all complaints against officers of the force will be thoroughly investigated. He cited examples of rogue police officers who have been dismissed after found guilty of the allegations made against them.