Guyana Police Force gets more computers

Apr 09, 2009 News

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–Association of Ex-Presidential Guards and Immigration Services comes to the rescue

 

Members of the Association of Ex-Presidential Guards and Immigration Services (APGI) yesterday showed their appreciation for the organisation that enabled them to serve their country – the Guyana Police Force – by donating four computers.

The simple ceremony took place at the Police Sergeants and Inspectors Mess, Eve Leary, and was attended by executive members of the association’s New York and Guyana Chapters as well as ranks from the Presidential Guard and Immigration Department of the police force.

The donation coincides with the first anniversary celebrations of the local APGI chapter for which 13 members of the New York Branch have traveled to Guyana to be a part of.

The theme of the anniversary celebration, which will last for one week, is ‘Bonding the past with the present for the future’.

While the donation of computers was not the result of a direct request, it came about following a recent visit to Guyana by Mrs. Bonita Wolfe-Woodhouse, a member of the organizing committee of the New York Chapter, during which she held discussions with her former colleagues at the Central Immigration and Passport Office.

She explained that during her visit five years ago, she saw the need for not only computers but other items that will enhance the delivery of service that the department provides.

She observed that the Guyana Police Force, through the Immigration Department, has been doing a great job, despite the magnitude of and the services provided by the department, which sometimes supersedes its budget.

“That has been identified to me and I was able to come back and inform my colleagues about the need for computers and a digital numbering system that will allow members of the public to actually hear their number called and speed up the process,” Wolfe-Woodhouse told members of the media at a brief press conference that preceded the presentation.

She also saw the need for a monitoring screen that would serve as an informative mechanism to pass information to the public on how to fill out passport application forms and even entertain them while they wait.

“These are some of the areas we are looking into,” Wolfe-Woodhouse said.

Ralph Green, Financial Secretary of the New York Chapter, and who now is in the technical field of employment, explained that the biggest challenge to law enforcement today is being technologically equipped to fight crime.

His reasoning is certainly welcomed, as the Guyana Police Force appears to be way behind in the area of technology, especially with the lack of computers, since the organization is now moving towards equipping every station with the gadget.

The Association of Ex-Presidential Guards and Immigration Services was formed eight years ago in New York.

The Association’s President, Errol Lewis told the press conference that he is primarily concerned with the continued service provided by the Guyana Police Force and his organization is committed to assist in this regard.

“We the ex’s are associating with the present for the advancement of future members of the Guyana Police Force,” Lewis said.

During their stay in Guyana, the members of the APGI New York Chapter will engage with their local counterparts in a number of activities.

They have already appeared on national television and met with several departments of the Guyana Police Force to explain the work and objectives of the body.

A church service, presentation of food hampers to some of the less fortunate members of the GPF and public, a dinner and dance and a fun day on Easter Monday, will also form part of the celebrations.

The Financial Secretary indicated that the group is engaged in a number of activities to raise funds for the charitable work that they do.

“We have kept it on a low because we were in our budding stage,” he said.

The association has already donated several other computers to the force and had assisted with flood relief during the 2005 floods.

Clinton Blair, Vice President of the New York Chapter, expounded by pointing out that in New York there are three major events at which funds are raised for the various ventures embarked on.

“We have a Republic dance…, then we have an Independence anniversary dinner and dance…during the summer we normally have a barbecue. At Christmas, we will have a party. Those ventures are what sustain us in addition to, of course, normal membership dues and contributions of members of the public,” Blair said.

He explained that the organization assists ex members of the presidential guard and immigration department who are sick and require expensive medical attention, or their families with funeral expenses in cases of death.

“Perfect example…we had a senior officer who was active, he was on pre-retirement leave at the time. He went to the United States and took ill. He passed away in the U.S. and we were instrumental in flying his body back home,” Blair revealed.

Lewis disclosed that the group was formed out of necessity, due to the non cooperation of the Ex-Policemen Association.

He said that it represents ranks who served all the Presidents of Guyana.

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