Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, on Saturday, continued his outreaches across the country to encourage residents to play a part in the protection of their communities as he promotes the formation of Community Policing Groups (CPGs). The Minister has over the past few months been visiting communities to plug the formation of CPGs and the resuscitation of dormant ones to complement the efforts of the police in crime fighting.

Saturday, Minister Rohee underscored the importance of CPGs as he engaged residents during a meeting at Mahdia in Region Eight. 
He said by establishing a CPG in the region, residents would be contributing to the community’s safety, and at the same time, assisting the Guyana Police Force (GPF), making them more efficient in conducting their duties.
The Minister highlighted that once the CPG group has been formed, and has become fully constituted and proven to be efficient, government will assist by providing equipment to further enhance their performance.
He added that group members can become rural constables who act as liaisons to the Force and are more effective on patrols as they would have the authority to conduct arrests.
Minister Rohee pointed out that CPGs have been successful across the country as government continues to work closely with communities.
After his address, residents highlighted that the Region had a CPG existing in 2002, but this was demolished and they suggested that it be resuscitated.
The Minister subsequently met with residents who were interested in being part of the group.
He advised that the names and addresses of potential members be submitted as soon as possible to the Home Affairs Ministry and the Police Force,  and once cleared, elections of the group’s leaders will follow.
Minister Rohee noted that the Ministry will provide the groups with information on CPGs, so that they can have a broader understanding of the mission and responsibilities of the group.
Following the group’s launch, members would have to be trained by police ranks and participate in various activities in order to be visible in the community.
Minister Rohee stressed that accountability must be provided to residents, as well as the Force.
Commander of the E and F Divisions, David Ramnarine, underlined that the group, police ranks, and the community must develop trust, respect and understanding to be successful, and that group members must also abide by the law.
Minister Rohee was accompanied by Ministers of Local Government and Regional Development, and Transport and Hydraulics, Kellawan Lall and Robeson Benn.(GINA)