DESPITE the huge crowds supporting the two main political parties during yesterday’s Nomination Day march, for the May 11th General and Regional Elections, the Guyana Police Force was able to maintain effective control at all times.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition marched through several city streets to the historic City Hall where they presented their respective lists of candidates to officials of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Police ‘A’ Division Commander, Assistant Commissioner Clifton Hicken, in an invited comment, told the Chronicle that the event unfolded without any incidents.
He stated that the success in effectively managing the day’s activities comes on the heels of meticulous planning by the senior management of the force and ranks who were detailed to work.
According to Commander Hicken, there was a beefing up of security in and around City Hall and along the routes to be used by the parties to make their way into City Hall compound. It was also noted that several senior officers from the divisions, including the Deputy Commander, Assistant Superintendents of Police and Inspectors, were on the ground, complemented by Commander Hicken himself.
In addition to the presence of police in uniform, there were also those in civilian clothing overlooking the process while there was also support given by members of the City Constabulary.
Hicken said that police ranks were present along the route long before the actual processions were expected, even as the barricades for the various streets to be closed were put in place.

Among the streets which were closed yesterday were King and Robb Streets, King and Regent Streets, Robb and Camp Streets, Charlotte and King Streets and several other streets were periodically closed to facilitate the procession of the APNU+AFC coalition.
However, Hicken said that he was a bit disappointed by a slight mix-up when the contingent of the coalition arrived at the gates of City Hall. He observed that there was some confusion about the twenty persons who were expected to enter the compound and accompany the leaders of the party who had to present the list.
He was, however, quick to point out that after the issue was brought to the attention of the party executives, one of the executives quickly identified those persons and they were able to enter the compound without a hitch.
By Leroy Smith