‘Tiger Bay’ children receive donation of bicycles

CHILDREN representing close to 20 households in Rosemary Lane ( Tiger Bay), were on May 25, gifted with pedal cycles compliments of General Construction Company General Manager, Peter Lewis. The donation which is pegged at just under half a million dollars, was made after the businessman expressed his appreciation to the residents of the community.

Lewis, who engaged the community through the office of Assistant Commissioner of Police, OperationsClifton Hicken, explained that he decided on the move given a pleasant working relationship he had with the community a few years ago.

The businessman made reference to doing construction works in the community and while having to leave his equipment in the community, he had no instance of theft. He said that the development caused him to view the community differently, in spite of the consensus of many other persons who have a certain perception about the community.

At Friday’s handing over of the cycles, Lewis said that he is of the view that people generally do not get up on a daily basis with the intention to commit bad acts, but the system might be the number one reason why persons end up finding themselves on the other side of the law.

‘A’ Division Commander and Assistant Commissioner of Police, Leslie James who has oversight for the Rosemary Lane community was also present at the handing over ceremony. He called on the community to take good care of the items, even as he called on individuals and entities working in other communities across the country to emulate the actions of the contractor.

He commended the businessman’s commitment to his corporate and social responsibilities to the communities in which he serves.
The Assistant Commissioner reminded that the doors of every commander in the various divisions are always open, so that business operatives and individuals can engage the divisional heads should they want to lend assistance to the various youth groups being formed by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) through its social crime preventions.

Hicken was also on hand at the handing over. He underscored the importance for the community to keep the gifts serviceable, since it can pave the way for further donations from the very businessman and other persons who may be looking on.
It was Hicken who formed the Rosemary Lane Youth Group several years ago under the Guyana Police Force Social Crime Prevention Initiative.

However, the group and its activities have not been so visible since Hicken was called to serve in a higher office within the Force, leaving the command of the division to another officer.

Hicken told the children that he will return to working with them as he plans to adopt the community of Rosemary Lane through his office at the GPF Headquarters, Eve Leary.

Hicken also outlined several initiatives which would be adopted to make this possible, including opening up the Guyana Police Force Band Room and Mounted Branch for the children to gain access in the afternoons and on weekends, so that they be part of other meaningful activities outside of their communities.