Latest update October 20th, 2024 3:20 PM
Oct 10, 2017 Letters
Dear Editor,
The paradigm appears to be slowly but surely shifting towards the police in their seven divisions being more community oriented and problem solving.(COPS) Apparently, the number one law enforcement agency in Guyana is paying more attention to solving crime and also problems in the communities they serve. There appears to be a special focus on youths. Please permit me to highlight some recent reports in the media in relation to this major sustained shift in the police crime fighting tactics. Another newspaper carried a report on the police interaction with over 500 youths in ‘G’ Division under the caption, “ Police help young Essequibians find their niche – through ‘Young Guyana’ show.”
The article opined that youths from Region 2 are now better acquainted with the various entrepreneurial avenues available to them, thanks to a ‘Young Guyana’ show held recently at Damon Square, Anna Regina. The show was conceptualised, designed, developed and implemented by Stephen Mansell, Senior Superintendent of Police, Commander ‘G’ Division in unison with several entities including the Ministry of Social Protection, members of the business community and the Institute of Private Enterprise Development. The attendance was massive.
Recently, after the escape and recapture of several inmates from the New Opportunity Corps, Stephen Mansell visited that location where he spent some time interacting and addressing the students. He did not condemn or pass judgement on them. Instead, he urged them not to do wrong things so that when their time is up at that institution they would have graduated with a skill that will assist in their personal development. He offered to make his subordinate officers available to do lectures to them on a weekly basis and invited all to attend free music classes on Saturdays at Anna Regina Police Station. Any activity more so one by a police commander that will cause a positive change in attitude and behaviour of the students at NOC must be commended.
Moving on to other divisional activities. There was a report in the media with a photograph of members of the Guyana Amazon Warriors interacting with ‘A’ and ‘C’ divisions’ youth club members at the Police Sports Club, Eve Leary. The event was made possible through the efforts of Assistant Commissioner of Police Marlon Chapman, Commander ‘A’ Division, Calvin Brutus, Senior Superintendent of Police, Commander ‘C’ Division and Clifton Hicken officer in charge of Operations. Sunday Chronicle, October 1, 2017 reported on the launching of the police bicycle patrol in ‘D’ Division under the heading, “Bicycle patrols boost police confidence.”
The Commander Assistant Commissioner of Police Leslie James who has an open- door policy and proactive approach towards policing, said that the division experienced a 50 percent drop in reported serious crimes as compared to the same period last year. There are numerous ongoing police / community activities in the division including youth involvement. In ‘E’ Division Superintendent Anthony Vanderhyden who is acting as commander is strengthening the excellent police / community relations left by Senior Superintendent Fizal Karimbaksh who is on leave. The division has numerous active community policing groups and 14 youth clubs with over 400 members. A high priority is placed on the youths. ‘B’ Division saw some remarkable community work done by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Paul Williams particularly with the youths during his short stint as commander.
Kaieteur News, Saturday August 26, 2017 carried an article entitled “ Berbice police to the rescue , Commander leads the way.” The newspaper stated that Paul Williams was making the rounds since his appointment as commander a month previously. He travelled within the division, meeting communities and organizing activities as he lead the way to community related activities. Williams donated trophies to the Glasgow Development Association for the hosting of a series of activities to commence its activities.
I know that he will continue his community approach to crime reduction long before he is confirmed as Crime Chief. His successor Assistant Commissioner Lynden Alves has very good people skills which will aid him to build on the work left by his predecessor. He has already announced his intention to do so. Two reported events in ‘F’ Division which has some logistical nightmare in policing the interior of Guyana caught my eyes. On August 27, 2017, the media reported.”Byderabo students get school uniform through police – led project”
The article stated that after a two- week back to school project several students received school uniforms and other school items for the new school year. The project was spearheaded by Divisional Commander, Senior Superintendent of Police, Ravindradat Budhram and other ranks from the division. The media Monday, September 4, 2017 posited that, “ Bartica youths benefit from empowerment programme.” According to the report 115 children from 5 communities in Bartica benefitted from a one week empowerment programme.
This activity was hosted by the police in collaboration with the business community. Commander, Ravindradat Budhram promised that he will continue to provide a safe environment for youths, have programmes and activities that reduce youth crime and keep them fully active. The police must have done some amount of environmental scanning to come up with a futuristic approach to target our youths, our future, our leaders for tomorrow.
Clinton Conway
Assistant Commissioner of Police
(Retired)
October 1st turn off your lights to bring about a change!
Oct 20, 2024
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