Minister Rohee calls for firmer hand on Domestic Violence matters
-in light of offence’s prevalence in ‘C’ Division
HOME Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee commissioned the St. Cuthbert’s Mission Police Outpost in ‘C’ Division on Saturday. In that exercise, he encouraged police to be firmer in dealing with all reports of domestic violence, because statistics show a prevalence of this social ill in ‘C’ Division.
The minister said that responding to domestic violence reports in ‘C Division have had mixed successes in dealing with issues of interest in communities; but without specifically referring to the St Cuthbert’s community, the Home Affairs Ministry was concerned about domestic violence issues, and reports in this regard should be a concern to all.
Rohee disclosed that statistics have revealed that, from January 1, 2011 to February 29, 2012, there were 5,692 reports of domestic violence across the country. During certain months, the statistics were high for reasons unknown. In March 2011, the highest reports were received – 431 — whilst the lowest reports – 129 – were recorded in February, 2011.
Rohee told the gathering that there were 474 reported cases of domestic violence per month in 2011, and from data received, ‘C’ Division, with 1709 reports, recorded the highest number of domestic violence cases.
The minister stated that females were the primary victims, with 3,322 cases which represented 68.4% of all reports received, while men were also affected.
He said, “There are some strong and abusive women, and 664 men were victims of domestic violence, with 7.6% of the victims (being) males in 2011. Ranks of the GPF and members of the community must take note that we don’t have an upward trend in domestic violence in this area, and (this social ill) must be kept down to manageable levels, if any.”
Rohee added that a statistical breakdown of the year’s domestic violence reports would show assault cases are predominant, with threatening language being next. Some offenders were charged, some were warned, and some cases are pending court action while others were sent to the Probation Department for action.
The minister urged ranks stationed at St. Cuthbert’s Mission to look into all reports of domestic violence, since the community would be the watchdog of the police, to ensure that the charge given by Acting Police Commissioner, Leroy Brumell is carried out.
Rohee also called on the ranks to maintain high levels of professionalism at all times while on duty, since they are representing the GPF. He charged them to act wisely and not bring the GPF into disrepute. He said, “Don’t tarnish the image of the GPF, since reports find their way into the public domain, and they are often blown out of proportion, with some reports being unjustified and create a diversion which occupies a lot of the GPF’s time, in which they have to be clarified by persons who have a different interest, and the police need time to do things that are consistent with the work of GPF.”
Rohee noted that the St. Cuthbert’s Mission Police Outpost was realised because of the meeting with residents some time ago, when former President, Bharrat Jagdeo visited the community and made the call for a police outpost in the village, and the administration acted and so the construction began.
Meanwhile, Acting Police Commissioner, Leroy Brumell told the gathering that when he visited the community years ago, he saw the need for that facility; and when the request came up, he was in agreement.
He reminded ranks present that they were there to protect the community, and said that previously, as a Commander of ‘C’ Division, reports were made at Mahaica Police Station then filtered to Cove and John Police Station, from where ranks were sent in to investigate.
Brumell told the community that the police were stationed in the community to serve and protect residents; not to act as bosses.
He said police have to be firmer and must not be tyrants. They have to be impartial in their duties, since the police outpost was not a holiday resort. “When we are not here, you are half-dressed; but you must be in uniform at all times while on duty, because if we get reports of such behaviour, we will ensure that condign action is taken. You are not here on a holiday, but here to protect the citizenry and work impartially and be friendly; but you must work with the community.”
The Top Cop stated that the police hierarchy had received reports that persons in the community were dealing with “illegal things”, and ranks must have their ears to the ground and deal with it.
Brumell added that the facility is not a rum shop, but will be opened 24 hours. He admonished residents that once the police stationed there were not policing the area, residents must promptly report it.
In conclusion, Brumell said that minister Rohee had been a driving force behind the modernisation of the GPF, and the police were able to rehabilitate 18 stations, which were also computerized and had trained ranks, all to better serve communities.
Superintendent of Works of the Home Affairs Ministry (MOHA), Fiaz Khan, said that in 2010 MOHA signed a contract with Handell Garnett Construction to erect the St. Cuthbert’s Mission Police Outpost at a cost of $9,947,047.
He added that work commenced in February 2011 and was completed in September 2011, and the 1196 square-foot, single-storey building has two lockups, an ablution area, CID room, a barracks, Officer-in-Charge room, a kitchen, a storeroom, the enquiries area, and fencing.
Mission Toshao Ernest Dundas described residents as generally law abiding, but he said there was a need for the police outpost, since the community is growing. He noted that the community was experiencing rapid growth in terms of population and infrastructure, and that there was more integration of other races in the community. The police outpost was, therefore, welcome in the area.
Dundas promised that the community would work along with the police in the maintenance of law and order in the village.
Owen Trotz said that According to Toshao Ernest Dundas, two families settled in the community many years ago, and out of those two families the community now has a population of about 1,700 persons, hence there was need for a police outpost.
He said that the government of Guyana and the GPF made good on their promise and they now have police stations and outposts in ‘C’ Division at Mahaicony Creek, Mahaica, # 10 Village, Enmore, Beterverwagting, Vigilance, Turkeyen, Cove and John, and Moraikobai.