THE community policing system across the country, which falls under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is observing its 35th anniversary, and the Community Policing Group (CPG) ‘C’ Division, on Sunday last, hosted a ceremony at the Lusignan tarmac on the East Coast of Demerara. Earlier, an inter-faith service was held at the Mon Repos Primary School. Members of the six police divisions from various parts of the country then assembled at the Mon Repos tarmac, which followed a road march to the Lusignan tarmac.

The events were held under the theme, “Securing the community through effective community policing.”

Present at the events were Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, Commander of ‘C’ Division Community Policing Group (CPG) Gavin Primo; Chairman of the National Executive Committee, Godfrey Washington; ranks of the Guyana Police Force and members of the CPGs throughout the country.

The first Community Policing Group (CPG) was established in 1976 at La Grange on the West Bank of Demerara. During that time, it was the prevailing view that effective community policing would positively impact on neighbourhood crimes and would ultimately lead to the enhancement of communities.

Minister Rohee congratulated the groups and stated that community policing involves policing and the contribution of members of the community.

He pointed out that over the years, GPGs across the country have won the respect, confidence and admiration of members of their respective communities, which is evidence that the groups have been performing in a positive manner. He urged community members to continue supporting the groups.

Minister Rohee also stressed that community policing plays an important role in the efficiency of the Police Force, and it also ensures that the country’s national security is intact and every citizen can feel comfortable and secure in his home.

He emphasised that subsequent to the Lusignan massacre in 2008, President Bharrat Jagdeo had pledged support to the ‘C’ Division to make it more effective and this is being fulfilled.

The minister advised members of the various CPGs to make themselves visible in their respective communities.

Minister Rohee urged CPG members to conduct activities in a manner that will not bring disrepute to groups, as this will affect the community in a negative manner.
He also encouraged divisional executives and members of the CPGs to examine communities that do not have CPGs or groups that were in default, and re-establish them.

Minister Rohee pointed out that government is committed to ensuring that CPGs remain vibrant and relevant to the purpose for which they were established, through funding of millions of dollars and unconditional support.

Chairman Washington urged the ‘C’ Division to continue to serve its communities unselfishly and expressed hope that community members would learn to appreciate their hard work and dedication.

Primo noted that members of the CPG should continue to build trust, understanding and co-operation with ranks of the police force in their quest to contain crime in the country.

Each year the list of activities to observe the anniversary of community policing are celebrated on a divisional basis. In 2009, the activities were organized by the members of by A’ Division, and in 2010 by the ‘B’ Division. (GINA)