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Albouystown Impact Project
– Opposition disappointed over “betrayal” by Top Cop
Members of the political Opposition have joined residents of the Albouystown in expressing not only condemnation but also disappointment over the alleged hostile behavior of police ranks who are on constant patrol in the area.
Opposition Leader, Brig. David Granger
Last week, this publication received several reports about the aggressive behavior of the ranking officers, approximately 24 which were on foot patrol in the area. This is part of the “Impact Albouystown” Community Project which was launched by Commissioner of Police (Ag) Seelall Persaud. The project seeks to work towards the development of the community into a “safe neighbourhood”.
“Worried” residents expressed that the Top Cop had made several promises when he visited the area but the action of the Police is a sign of clear betrayal. The residents said that Persaud had explained that the project is intended to transform the community into a better place but while they welcome the initiative, the presence of the police seems to be doing more harm than good. They have since requested that Persaud, take action against the behavior of his officers before “a war breaks out.”
Leader of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Brig. David Granger recently expressed that both the new ‘A’ Division Commander, Clifton Hicken and Persaud are experienced officers. In light of that reality, the Partnership was disappointed at the attempt to stigmatize the area. This Granger said, was a big mistake.
The Opposition Leader added, “Why does the Commissioner try to isolate certain types of crime in order to stigmatize that community? That was a big mistake. The second was to feel that he (Persaud) can do something about the situation in Albouystown without reforming the Police Force. The Force is not trained, it is not equipped and it does not have the attitude in order to deal with the situation in Albouystown. Persaud should educate himself about the situation in that area.”
The Member of Parliament continued, “Not because people are poor they are criminals. Persaud needs to take a step back and make sure that the initiative he is attempting is not done in an unprofessional manner. Though it may look good in public relations, it must be remembered that the community for over 20 years has been harassed and what he is doing is likely to have unanticipated consequences because he doesn’t seem to understand what needs to be done in that particular community. I don’t think the methods he seems to be inclined to apply are going to have satisfactory outcomes.”
In light of the resistance by residents of the area, the Guyana Police Force has said that it has been encouraged by the developments that have taken place and the support received since the launching of the Impact Albouystown Project.
In a press release, the Force explained that the patrols in the Albouystown community have proven to be successful thus far as seven men have since been arrested and charged for narcotics and other related offences. It said that apart from the seizure of a total of 188 grams of marijuana, an unlicensed .45 pistol was recovered during an attempted robbery on a business place at Albouys Street. It also noted that since the launching of the project, no serious crimes have occurred in the area.
Seelall Persaud
The Force also stated that in keeping with the aim to assist youths in the Albouystown community with vocational skills training, some 60 children between the ages of seven and 16 years were expected to start a foundation course in Information Technology yesterday at the Guyana Police Force, Zara Computer Centre at Eve Leary. A Cosmetology training programme is also slated to commence next week at the Heavenly Light World Outreach Fellowship.
The Force also expressed its sincerest appreciation for the support of the business community towards the implementation of the Impact Albouystown Project. The Force has so far received donations in the form of cash, computers, foodstuff, cosmetics and garbage bins. A Steering Committee, which includes senior police officers and leaders in the Albouystown community, has been established and will be meeting on a monthly basis.
The Police in the release said, “A significant part of the Force’s effort in this initiative is aimed at empowering youths of the Albouystown community to develop skills in order to be productive and make proper decisions. We do expect some resistance from persons who are benefitting from criminology in the community.”
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