WEEKLY COLUMN
SAYING NO TO CRIME
There are not many actions that drive a cause or process more than people’s participation. And this is more so when there are issues affecting them and their communities and their messages are publicly communicated.
Following on the success in Georgetown, residents in Berbice had their own ‘Walk Against Crime and Violence’  through the streets of New Amsterdam with a clear message that crime and violence should not be tolerated.
It is part of the mission of the Citizens Security Programme of the Ministry  of Home Affairs in creating safe neighbourhoods and the CSP, Ministry of Home Affairs and the Guyana Police Force have been focusing on specific communities in Regions 4 and 6 under the Community Action Component.
In doing so it has been recognised that the involvement of citizens is extremely important that the Law Enforcement Agencies and citizens work together to confront crime and violence.
In congratulating the residents on their actions, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee pointed out that there is no single approach in fighting crime and violence and, as such, there is the need for an integrated approach.
Joining the call for greater collaboration between citizens and the Guyana Police Force, Divisional Commander Steve Merai said that this must continue and public perceptions must not discourage this effort in dealing with crime and violence.
Such efforts also have the support of regional officials with Community Relations Officer Faizal Jafferally noting that the large turnout is indicative of the seriousness that residents attach to crime fighting.
The event was organised by the Crime Observatory Unit of the Ministry of Home Affairs with participation from the business community, residents from New Amsterdam and nearby communities and the five communities in the CAC’s Region 6 intervention.