Miners present police with ATVs for crime fight
By Michel Outridge
A GROUP of miners yesterday presented four ‘Honda’ all terrain vehicles (ATVs) to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to enhance its crime fighting capability in the interior. The $12M presentation, to Acting Police Commissioner, Leroy Brumell, took place at the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) Drill Square, Eve Leary, Georgetown.
Assistant Commissioner Balram Persaud, who was present, said the donors, who hail from the interior where there have been a spate of incidents within the mining communities, want to better equip the GPF with the suitable mode of transport to respond to reports in a timely manner.
He said they would also assist the police with patrols.
Persaud observed that there has been an influx of miners in the hinterland and, as such, crime and policing is not an easy task, given the terrain, but they can now traverse those areas in relative ease using the ATVs.
Speaking on behalf of the miners, Julio Perreira said, having seen what is taking place and in an effort to foster good civilian and police relations, they have been working with the Commander of ‘E&F’ Division, Clifton Hickens.
Perreira said it was established that there is a need for ATVs and the group pooled resources and bought the four for the police to utilise.
In his remarks, Brumell said he was heartened by the gift ATVs and thanked the miners for the gesture. He asked the ranks to use the vehicles for the intended purpose and take care of them.
The Top Cop pointed out that, in ‘E&F’ Division, the ranks led by Hickens have been trying to fight crime and seized 30 illegal firearms, so far for this year and that is commendable, given the fact the figure surpassed that of 2011.
Among the miners witnessing the handing over was Chunilall Babolall nicknamed ‘Vulture’, of CBR Mining at Bartica and another Perreira brother, Ryan.