-Minister Rohee at anti-crime walk in Berbice
The Home Affairs Ministry, in collaboration with the Citizen Security Programme’s Implementation Unit, yesterday hosted an anti-crime walk under the theme, “Breaking down walls, building bridges.” Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, said that involvement of ordinary citizens in the fight against crime and violence is extremely important.
“Law enforcement and involvement of the citizens must work hand-in-hand in order for us to confront crime and violence in our country. We have decided to organise this march because we recognise the importance of public awareness. We need to raise the consciousness of people across Guyana to this fight against crime,” he asserted.
He explained that when people see a group of people who are prepared to march on the streets to raise this awareness, they themselves will see the need to become more involved.
“Government recognises the importance of the Citizen Security Programme, which saw the reform of the Guyana Police Force, the Home Affairs Ministry, and greater involvement of citizens. What we see here is a manifestation of all three components of the programme,” he said.
The minister also spoke of the comprehensive pieces of anti-crime legislation that government has passed in the National Assembly to aid in the crime fight.
He added that there is no single approach to fighting crime as an integrated approach must be taken.
B’ Division Commander, Steve Merai, said that the Guyana Police Force depends on citizens to assist in the crime fight, and called for greater collaboration between the Force and the public.
Community Relations Officer, Region Six, Faizal Jaffarally, said that the large turnout at the walk shows the seriousness which the residents attach to crime fighting.
“All of us have a responsibility to ensure that the community in which we live is safe; crime and criminal activity can affect all of us,” Jaffarally said.
He made particular reference to communities such as Angoy’s Avenue, Rosehall, Edinburgh, Overwinning, Fyrish, Gibraltar, and Port Mourant, all of which were represented at the walk. (GINA)