– formulate strategies to improve public safety
SUBSEQUENT to a meeting with stakeholders from the Private Sector Commission (PSC) on August 25, several decisions were taken between the Commission and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) with the aim of improving the delivery of security services. These decisions include the PSC working with the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Ltd. (GT&T) on resolving the issue of the technical problems affecting the proper functioning of the 911 system; and the finalisation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), which is to be prioritised.
The Government Information Agency (GINA) reported that there were also discussions in relation to the resuscitation of the initiative referred to as ‘operation eyes and ears’ which was conceptualised in 2003, by the PSC and the GPF, to involve communities in crime fighting.
The possibility of establishing more check points in interior regions will be examined by the GPF in consultation with the Guyana Forest Products Association (GFPA) and the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA).
Also highlighted at the meeting was the need for communication with the Government of Suriname, through the appropriate channel, on the need for greater security cooperation with regard to policing the Corentyne River to curb acts of criminality.
The GPF and the GGDMA will further examine the issue of the processing of applications for firearm licenses, for qualified miners. Government was called on to advance its commitment to facilitate the installation of security cameras at strategic locations, especially in the city of Georgetown.
It was also agreed that there will be greater collaboration among the banking sector, the PSC, and the GPF as it relates to the intensification of security around the commercial banks.
Private Sector entities were advised to install security cameras on their premises and assurance was given with respect to heightened emphasis on fire protection and prevention, by all parties.
As part of a sensitisation programme, it was agreed that there is need for greater public dissemination of information on the skills training programmes being mounted for youths and single parents, by the various Government agencies, including the Ministry of Home Affairs through the Citizens Security Programme, Community Action Component (CAC).
At the initial meeting, Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee noted that, in spite of the perception that there is an increase in crime in Guyana, the bigger picture is that there is no threat to national security.
He added too, that irrespective of the gangs that existed and the extent to which they may be armed or the impact they may have, “the Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Prison Service, Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Fire Service are all up to speed to deal with any threat to the stability of the state.”