THE Police Sunday launched their Safe Neighbourhood Project and Youth Group in Beterverwagting/Triumph, East Coast Demerara. The aim is to build a closer bond between the force and the community. 

At the Youth Choice Resource Building, Republic Drive, Beterverwagting, senior members of the force briefed a gathering of youths and adults from the community on what is expected from these projects.

At the launch were Assistant Superintendent and Officer in Charge of No.2 Sub-Division, Jairam Ramlakhan and Senior Superintendent and Force Training Officer, Mr. Paul Williams.
Also present were Chairman for Region 4, Mr. Clement Corlette, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Christopher Griffith, and other members of the force.

In his address, Mr. Jairam said the launching of the project was influenced by the launching of the “Impact Albouystown Project” earlier this month.
The impact project was so successful that it was decided to take it to Beterverwagting.
Jairam added that this programme will mostly tackle the youths of the society, but support from adults will also be required.
The programme will offer training for job opportunities and counselling for young people in the community.
He also said that the police will be working closely with faith-based organisations, community leaders, government organisations and NGO’s.
Mr. Williams, in his address, stated that projects such as these had been about since the early 1990’s, when they were used to deal with problems in communities such as Tiger Bay in the city. This was followed by a drastic decline of the crime rates in those communities.
He noted that with hard work and dedication the new project will be a major success.
Assistant Commissioner Griffith noted that this community had been selected because of the increased crime rate there.
A full-time police patrol will now be in the area.

As for the young people, Griffith stated that there will be many sporting activities, counselling, teachings on life skills and inter-personal skills, and tips on living a healthy lifestyle.
He assured the community that they will notice changes in the near future, and Beterverwagting will be a better place for members of the community and other individuals.

(By Navendra Seoraj)