GUYANESE head-of-state President Bharrat Jagdeo has extended best wishes to all Guyanese during this festive season, and said he has given instructions to the security forces to heighten their presence around the country at this time.

Speaking to members of the Media at a news briefing yesterday at the Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive in Georgetown, President Jagdeo said:

“I wish to extend best wishes to all of you and to all Guyanese. I hope that we all have an enjoyable festive season, and that people as they go around doing their business, that they do so in a safe manner.”

“I have given instructions to the security forces to heighten their presence around our country so that people can do the activities that have become associated with Christmas, that is, intense shopping in a safe manner,” he disclosed.

Also, President Jagdeo stated, “I wish to urge all those who are driving to be a bit cautious. The traffic is a nightmare from what I have heard out there and they need to be careful in this period. We don’t want any fatality or any negative for the season,” the Head of State expressed.

For the Christmas season, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has increased security in the busy capital city of Georgetown and across the country aimed at controlling and reducing crime, building confidence among citizens, and reducing traffic congestion and accidents.

The methods of operation include foot, vehicular, river patrols, establishment of booths in various locations around the country, road blocks, raids and special operations.

Commander of Police ‘G’ Division, Superintendent Christopher Griffith, in unveiling the policing security plan for the upcoming Christmas season, had told the Guyana Chronicle that, for its execution, the division will be divided into three sections, Charity to Queenstown and Hoff-Van-Aurich to Supenaam on the Essequibo Coast and Wakenaam/Leguan/Essequibo Islands.

Griffith announced increased patrols, on foot, bicycle and riverine, during the period and said ranks will be on duty at stations for 12 hours at a time.

He said focus will be in busy shopping areas and the Police will be on the lookout for criminal elements.

Griffith also appealed for help from the public, in providing information on crimes committed, as the Police cannot work alone and he challenged dormant community policing groups (CPGs) to reactivate themselves in support of the crime fight.

Meanwhile, Commander of Berbice Police Division, Assistant Commissioner George Vyphuis had convened a meeting with the business community and the media, to outline the increased policing activities for the period November 15 to January 15.

He said the aim of the two months programme, during which 219 uniformed ranks and 130 Neighbourhood Police will be deployed to the ‘Ancient County’, is to minimise criminal activity and traffic congestion, allowing the citizenry to experience an accident free Christmas holiday period.

Vyphuis, who has since been transferred to ‘A’ Division in a similar position, told the gathering, in New Amsterdam Town Hall, that, as the festive season draws nearer, there will be more foot and mobile patrols and roadblocks at strategic points, based on intelligence received.

In addition, he said special focus will be on the New Amsterdam shopping areas, New Amsterdam and Rosignol ferry stellings, Berbice River Bridge, Port Mourant and Rosignol markets, Rose Hall Town and Number 78 Village.

Vyphuis said the spotlight will also be on people traveling from Suriname through Moleson Creek.

He said residents in the division, which covers from Abary, West Coast Berbice to Orealla, Corentyne River, have had a close relationship with the Police since the conduct of 20 community outreach programmes this year and discussions with three of the four Chambers of Commerce.

Vyphuis said traffic cops will still be escorting vehicles from Rosignol Stelling to Abary Creek, so as to ensure that the drivers stay within the speed limit and obey the laws.

He identified Pitt Street, the main commercial area in New Amsterdam and Angoy’s Avenue, a squatting area on the outskirts of that township, Betsy Ground and Cumberland, in East Canje and Number Two Village, Corentyne, as noted areas of criminal pursuits and said they will see increased Police presence.