-to continue equipping Police Force
Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee met with the residents of Better Hope on the East Coast of Demerara on Thursday evening at the Better Hope Community Centre ground, as part of his ongoing community outreach programme, to reinforce government’s commitment to the safety and protection of its citizens, and to build stronger relationships with the Community Policing Group (CPG).
The issue of major concern to residents was that of the manner in which noise nuisance reports are handled by the police.
Minister Rohee responded to these concerns by stating that he has issued a decree to the Commissioner of Police that instead of the patrol visiting the noise nuisance offender and issuing him / her with a warning, they must seize the equipment and place the offenders before the courts.
He also posited that there is an ongoing campaign to prosecute noise nuisance offenders in wake of the number of such complaints.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has been publishing advisories on how citizens must act when reporting such matters. Further, phone calls are generally accepted for the making of reports to police stations countrywide. He also charged the police not to be selective in dealing with such reports.
Gavin Primo, Commander of the East Coast Division, in his address to the gathering, posited that in light of the instructions outlined by the Ministry of Home Affairs, he and his staff will work assiduously to ensure they are carried out.
He stated that it is strange to hear policemen are not accepting reports by telephone; and if they can be pinpointed, departmental action will be taken against them.
Also present at the meeting were members of the Better Hope CPG. Chairman of Better Hope-North CPG, Richard Driffield, was complimented by residents and Mr. Primo for the group’s patrol work..
On May 29, 2011, Minister Rohee, as part of his continuing community outreach exercise, met with the residents of Plaisance, East Coast Demerara. Some of the issues raised included the noise nuisance and disorderly behaviour at the corners of Prince William and Britney Streets, particularly on Thursday nights. Residents also complained about the slothful response by ranks at the Sparendaam police station, and non-cooperation between the police and residents.
Prior to that, he had held meetings in Industry, Ogle and Turkeyen/Pattensen, to discuss security related matters.