A lot of news has been in the media lately about the security forces and the work of the Guyana Police Force. There have been upgrades at different police stations. The Brickdam lock-up has been rehabilitated and a building is being erected close to police headquarters at Eve Leary that will house the Commissioner of Police’s office.
All of this is good. I have been noticing a stronger police presence in different areas that I go to in this country. There are traffic officers everywhere, motorcycle officers and foot patrol in quiet and busy areas, day and night and forces drive around the city and along the outer corridors ensuring that there are no nefarious activities taking place.
I am not one of those persons disturbed by the heightened security presence. I have experienced that road blocks are normally conducted in lighted areas with several officers and stop signs.
I recently attended an event at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and there were security guards from a private firm on duty and police officers passed through the event. I do not recall any fights or disorderly behavior and people enjoyed themselves and exited the premises when the show was over.
I am not wantonly singing the praises of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Guyana Police Force. I’m simply using this opportunity to highlight some of the positives that are visible in Guyana.
The Citizen’s Security Programme is being launched in very “at risk’ communities, like Buxton, Agricola and Port Mourant, among others, with the purpose of ultimately creating safe neighborhoods through violence prevention strategies geared toward the development of life skills such as literacy, conflict resolution, interpersonal relations, communication and anger management.
This is a positive and progressive initiative that will save the lives and future of many of the young men and women in those identified communities.
Crime prevention seems to be the main course of action being taken and targeting the communities and the youths therein is an indication of an attempt to halt criminality at the causative state. Interestingly, similar security action and community policing models have been very successful in various parts of Europe and North America.
This is a sophisticated approach to crime fighting and a real opportunity for Guyanese to start seeing their neighborhoods as suburban, residential places suitable to raise healthy families.
Outfitted with proper recreational facilities like cricket pitches, basketball and tennis courts and youth-friendly entertainment like malls, movie theatres and video game arcades, and secured by people who respect their environment, there is the possibility of elevating not just standards of living but also property value and investment opportunities.
It is my hope that Government continues along this trend of securing the country, internally and externally. Guyanese need to feel safe in their homes, on the streets and at large scale gatherings, knowing that they will not be taken advantage of. I hope that the sentiments that I expressed are shared by others.