…the groups are about everybody’s safety and security, he says
Michel Outridge
Eight of 24 Community Policing Groups (CPG) members were installed yesterday during the re-launching of the CPG ‘B’, Kilcoy/Chesney/Fyrish, Corentyne, Berbice at the Hampshire Civic Centre.
Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee, in his feature address and charge, told the CPG gathering that there is the need for the establishment of CPG’s countrywide to aid the police in their fight against crime.
He added that CPG is about everybody’s safety and security, and he urged members to go out and visit villages and talk to people about the role of the CPG.
“Go to the people, visit door to door, enlighten them so that they will be more conscious of the importance of CPG in their communities, because it is your duty to reach out and bring back those who have left,” Rohee said.
The Minister also spoke of instances in which some members have joined the CPG for their own personal gain and not for the interest of protection for their communities.
He explained that the police cannot be everywhere as there are not enough ranks, and as such the need for more CPGs are welcome. Rohee also talked about the need for growth and expansion of the groups. But in the meantime, he pleaded with the CPG members to work with what they have since the government wants national development in all sectors.
He noted that the government has injected a lot of money for the provision of resources and are committed to the fight against crime, and the administration has recognised the contribution of GPGs and its members to supporting law enforcement agencies.
Rohee pointed out that no village should be without a CPG and encouraged members to establish groups where there is none.
The Minister also handed over uniforms, handcuffs, caps, and torch lights to the members of the CPG who were installed yesterday.
Meanwhile, Regional Chairman Zulfikar Mustapha yesterday told the gathering that he is very pleased with the revelation of Superintendent of Police Lyndon Alves that the crime rate in that division has seen a considerable decrease.
He credited that to the collaborative effort of the CPG and the police and the growth of the CPGs in Berbice which now number, 44 with the re-launch of the Kilcoy/Chesney/Fyrish group.
Mr. Mustapha expressed his displeasure in the behaviour of some CPG members who abuse their mandate, as he encouraged them to be role models and not abuse the CPG resources.
In the absence of the Divisional Commander, Steve Merai, yesterday Superintendent Alves charged the newest CPG members to embrace the concepts of CPG.
CPG Administrator Ovid Glasgow, in his remarks, highlighted the role of the CPG and its importance in society.
He also urged them to do their job in accordance with the laws of Guyana and to also be good counsellors in their communities.