THE Ministry of Home Affairs, in collaboration with Community Policing Groups (CPGs), staged a grand fun day last Sunday at the Police Sports Ground, Eve Leary, Georgetown. It was in commemoration of the 36th anniversary of community policing in Guyana.
Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner Ivelaw Whittaker said, as it is, community policing has always played an integral role in assisting with the crime fighting potentials of the Guyana Police Force (GPF),  bringing a significant amount of control at the community level.
This year, ‘D’ Division was host to the anniversary celebrations and a number of activities were planned, including a march past at Pouderoyen; the unveiling of a monument at La Grange Police Station, also on West Bank Demerara; a candle light vigil at East Bank Essequibo and a floodlight cricket match at Uitvlugt Cricket Ground, West Coast Demerara.
Whittaker said Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Clement Rohee  is doing an exceptionally good job and congratulated him for the dedication and commitment he has shown over the years.    
He also said that such support by the CPGs has resulted in the significant expansion of the efficiency of the security forces, as well as increased consistency.
Minister Rohee, who made remarks at the start of the day’s happenings, highlighted the importance of CPGs, pointing to the fact that, apart from law enforcement officials, those groups keep communities safe.

VIGILANTES
Before the establishment of CPGs, which are comprised of designated villagers from communities approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the members served as vigilantes within their respective areas.
The minister acknowledged the many achievements and stated that, after hard work, one must be rewarded for effort and commitment and the occasion was the government’s way of showing its appreciation to CPGs.
He said it is quite necessary to have these kinds of activities once every year as it brings officers together to have fun and, at the same time, showcase their skill and expertise.
The minister said community policing is not only about assisting the police in crime detection and prevention in Guyana, but also to better accustom themselves with officers from other divisions.
For the duration of the fun day, ‘A’ Division CPG won the prize of best organised group during the march past.
Minister Rohee, in handing over the trophy to Treasurer of ‘A’ Division Executive, J. Knights, persuaded the group to continue to work hard and strive for betterment at all times, while simultaneously, portraying the highest level of professionalism.
The day’s events included sports, such as football and cricket, live entertainment by Shakti Strings (winner of the Caribbean Music Award for best band of the year) with each artiste (Pooran Seeraj, Aamir Khan and Prince JP) giving amazing performances.