Region 3 police strengthening community relationships
― Free and Easy gets Community Policing Group
― Parika gets pedestrian crossing
― school children informed of proper road use
DPI, Guyana, Monday, March 4, 2019
The Guyana Police Force, ‘D’ Division, West Demerara-East Bank Essequibo, is currently on a mission to strengthen its relationship with all communities in Region 3, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara. To this end, a series of outreaches have been completed and several others are planned.
At an outreach in Free and Easy on the West Bank of Demerara on February 15, the police ‘D’ division donated several pairs of footwear and other school items to children in the community. Recognition was also given to civilian Claxton Thomas, for his contribution to training young people of the community and keeping them engaged in meaningful activities.
On a return visit to the community on March 1, a Community Policing Group was established. The formation of the group was spearheaded by Inspector Rochelle Alexander who has responsibilities for the West Bank of Demerara. The newly formed group will assist in keeping the peace and holding meaningful activities that will engage young people.
“Free and Easy is a very peaceful and friendly community which I have enjoyed working with over the months. The community is very responsive to engagements with us and has demonstrated the eagerness to get involved in policing; hence we welcome their enthusiasm and formed a Community Policing Group,” noted Inspector Alexander.
At Parika on the East Bank of Essequibo, ranks of the force teamed up with the business community and repainted pedestrian crossing signs which not only enhanced the aesthetics of the area but provided a safe space for pedestrians.
In addition, traffic officers are visiting various schools in the region to conduct lectures and practical demonstrations with the students and teachers on proper road usage. Topics include walking safely on the road, the curb drill, types of clothing to wear when using the road especially at nights, proper use of the pedestrian crossing, among others.
Three sessions were already held at the Parika Nursery, Greenwich Park Primary and La Grange Secondary.
According to Divisional Commander Edmond Cooper, the series of activities are in keeping with building greater trust with civilians and ensuring that a better line of communication exists between officers and civilians.
“Trust seems to be a serious matter for civilians, and I intend to ensure that a greater degree of trust exists between us as police officers and civilians. We depend both directly and indirectly on each other, and if we are to co-exist peacefully, we must have respect and trust for each other,” Commander Cooper remarked.
He believes the best place to begin educating persons on the correct use of the roadways is the school.
“We have too much traffic lawlessness occurring on our roadway, and it is about time we engage pedestrians more often. I have instructed the traffic department to ensure they visit all the schools especially the secondary schools.
The activities are expected to be ongoing.
Story and Images: Ganesh Mahipaul