Elderly residents of  Angoy’s Avenue benefit from collaborative effort
THE aged residents of Angoy’s Avenue, in New Amsterdam, Berbice, last Friday, received a donation of dry rations after being treated to a meal, through the collaboration amongst the Central Police Station Management Committee, the Community Policing Group, the Business Community, the Scouts Association and the Black Bush Water Users Association.
In addition to the gifts, they were beneficiaries of tests of their vital signs by general surgeon, Dr. Bob Ramnauth, who was assisted by medical staff from New Amsterdam Hospital and medex Lynette Toney of the Guyana Prison Service.
Apart from blood pressure and glucose testing, those suffering from certain conditions were referred to the health institution for advanced care delivery.
In brief remarks to them, Assistant Police Commissioner, Derrick Josiah, making his second visit to the area which is dubbed as a ‘black spot’ on the police radar due to the high incidence of crime, said the gesture demonstrates the softer side of the Force, which is, usually, known to arrest and charge.
“But we are concerned. The police are a product of the society. We can identify ourselves with you. We want to forge an excellent relationship. We are approachable. Call us anytime,’’ he invited.
At the late afternoon occasion also was Professor Diazal Samad of the University of Guyana (UG) Tain, Corentyne Campus, who urged the elderly not to look at the gifts as a handout but as that which is vitally important for the image of the Force, which, at times, takes a battering.
He said: “We cannot repay you for the respect you have given this society. We have lost respect from our youths. You have given us good behaviour, grace, decorum and demeanour. That is what you have given us. It is a debt we cannot repay.”
Samad urged the others present to sit at the feet of the elderly and listen to their stories which are life shaping.

INSTRUMENTAL
Joining the other speakers in congratulating the Guyana Police Force (GPF), especially Inspector Jairam Ramlakhan, who, over the years, has been instrumental in bridging the gap between the communities and the Police, Chairman of Region 6 (East Berbice/Corentyne), Mr. David Armogan noted that the latter depends on information to create harmonisation.
While issuing a call to the business community and agencies to assist in improving the lives of the elderly who have toiled with their sweat and blood, Armogan also expressed disappointment over the behaviour of some youths, who are ill-mannered.
“But I had an awakening experience during a visit to Orealla. Corentyne River. When I arrived there, every single child said ‘good morning’. I was pleasantly surprised at their conduct. Additionally, I could not see a single piece of paper on the ground or in a drain. These are values which our youth need to cultivate and the elderly has that responsibility,” the chairman stated.
Another speaker, Justice William Ramlall observed that a lot of citizens bemoan that the courts for loosing criminals on the streets. But he denied that the judiciary is doing so. Instead, he explained that the court cannot convict on evidence which is weak and poor.
The judge added: “You have a role to play. You need to tell the police who are the bad eggs. If you condone them, it will get worse. All of you must make an effort to close the gap and comment on the crimes as they are committed.”
Ramlakhan disclosed that some 900 pounds of dry rations were given to 40 randomly selected residents whose ages range from 60 to 80 years.