ASSISTANT Commissioner Alvin Ramnarine of the Guyana Police Force is to be the lead officer for a new programme designed to combat crime in the Hinterland.

The Force is currently preparing this programme and will soon be presenting it to key stakeholders such as the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), and other agencies with interests in the hinterland, Commissioner of Police (acting) Mr. Seelall Persaud disclosed.

He did so during a meeting with members of the association earlier this week.

The GGDMA said that the meeting held at its office was the first between the new Commissioner and its members and had proven to be very fruitful.

Among those who attended and participated in discussions were Mr. Clinton Williams –Chairman of GGMC, Commander Hicken of A Division, Commander Brutus of E Division, Commander Ramsay of F Division and Mr. Ramnarine of Police Operations.

Leading members of the GGDMA and their security personnel were in attendance.

The number of murders and robberies reported in the hinterland was a major matter of security concern which was discussed.

The problem of illegal shops in these areas was also highlighted, since members of the GGDMA knew that these shops provided a cover for illegal activities such as the selling of drugs, firearms and the promotion of prostitution.

The meeting also discussed how the Police Force could provide training for private security personnel attached to mining firms, so that they can make the environment much safer from the depredations of criminal elements.

The miners were assured by the Commissioner that these issues will be fully addressed in the anti-crime programme for the hinterland to be spearheaded by Assistant Commissioner Ramnarine.