THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) ‘B’ Division, under command of Assistant Commissioner Brian Joseph and Senior Superintendent Marlon Chapman, formed a Youth and Sports Group in the East Canje Berbice area to continue the drive to forge relations with the wider community and to address the many social ills in that part of the society.

The ‘B’ Division Police have been leading the way in this regard with a number of community outreach initiatives, the most recent being the formation of a Youth and Sports Group on the East Bank of Berbice.

Last Wednesday, the formation of the East Canje Group was held at the Goed Bananen Land Community Centre in Berbice. The group is expected to attract youths from the villages of Reliance, Adelphi, Goed Bananen Land and Betsy Ground.

The police delegation included Senior Superintendent Marlon Chapman; Officer-in-Charge of the number one sub-division, Assistant Superintendent Guy Nurse; Chief Inspector Gregory Springer, and Corporal Randy Hamilton. They held a wide range of discussions with those in attendance, touching on the following topics: truancy, noise nuisance, youth development, unemployment, crime, and the promotion of sports, among other topics.

The attendees fully participated in the interaction. Among those officiating at the ceremony was Pastor Leslie Hopkinson, who did the opening prayer and spoke of the purpose, plans, goals and vision of the organization.

Assistant Superintendent Nurse, who was the main speaker, pointed out that: “Youths have an important role to play in the development of Guyana, and they should make use of every opportunity that is offered to them.”

He also looked at the potential and opportunities that can be derived from such a venture.
Following the discussion, the police officer said was heartened by the response of the residents, and he told them: “I would like to see our efforts ‘bear fruit’, so that you can achieve great heights and be role model for the youths of tomorrow.”
The president of the group is Avenash Angad; the secretary is Coleen Sinclair; the treasurer is Tulsiedai Roopnarine, headmistress of The Betsy Ground Primary School; while Corporal Hamilton was given the full responsibility of coordinating all events that the group plans to execute.

Four persons were also appointed mentors: Pastor Hopkinson; Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Interim Management Community Chairman Jaipaul Kuldip, Community activist Jacqueline Rose and Radesh Singh.

(Michael Khan)