WEEKLY COLUMN: APPROACHES TO SAFER NEIGHBOURHOODS PART 3
In previous columns, we addressed the subject from various perspectives, and specifically the attempts in two communities in Region Four. The historical concept of a safe neighbourhood is one where mechanisms are developed that lead to citizens feeling safe in their homes and walking the streets in their community. These however have to be studied and structured approaches, in sync with happenings and the peculiar circumstances in each community.
The recent Caribbean Human Development Report was quite revealing. Latin America and the Caribbean are home to 8.5% of the world population, but it accounts for 27% of homicides across the world. It further noted that while this has been rising substantially in the last 12 years in the Caribbean it has been falling or stabilising in other parts of the world. Other reports points to similar trends.
A rising crime rate not only   threatens economies and livelihoods, but violence limits people’s choices and threatens their freedom and the authorities have little choice than taking actions.
In Guyana, the Citizen Security Programme, is one attempt at addressing rising levels of crime and violence. It is not only aimed at institutional strengthening, but getting to the root of the problems, in many cases, poverty and lack of opportunities. Through its Community Action Component, opportunities are provided for hundreds of young people who were able to acquire skills to be meaningfully employed.  This in some ways will assist in alleviating poverty and creating a more stable environment.
It is also sending the signal that communities would not be overlooked and wherever there is need, there will be interventions and the Government is prepared to act. Whether it is Port Mourant or Fyrish, Agricola or Annandale, the intervention will be appropriate and impact would be similar.
Like in Region Four, the target communities in Region Six are similarly exposed to violence prevention programmes utilising trained persons in a number of areas.
One of the Consultants in Region Six, Patricia Gray, noted that the approach is a multi-pronged one. Vulnerable youths and adults are engaged in self-introspection, self-esteem building, the consequences of child abuse, domestic violence, and drug abuse, learning from each other and how to cope in various situations.
Such interactive sessions help in creating more awareness and a blend of information, demonstrating that all are involved with varying degrees of responsibility. Important lessons are learnt in parenting and disciplining, ultimately leading to behaviour change.
Embedded in the CAC’s Programme are the development or rehabilitation of multi-purpose facilities in the communities and the holding of community fun days. These provide the avenues for community folks to come together, know each other in positive ways, and more importantly to engage the youths in alternative activities that are removed from anti-social behaviour.
The ingredients for behaviour change are presented and the belief is that even if a small percentage of people in the communities participate, there will be the multiplying effect and change is inevitable. Society will gain with more productive citizens and will spend less resources fighting crime and on correctional institutions. Moreover, all will benefit from less emotional distress.