RANKS of the Guyana Police Force on Saturday night came in for harsh criticism over what was described as their “tardy approach” to policing in some city wards.
North Ruimveldt, and to a lesser extent, South Ruimveldt, have, over time, come under constant attack from criminals. The attacks include rape, armed robberies, frequent carjacking and persons being robbed while walking through the streets of North Ruimveldt at nights.
The neighbourhood has practically come under siege, with residents living in virtual fear, not only of being on the streets late at nights, but for fear of being attacked by men with guns, even in the perceived safety of their homes.
But even more heart wrenching, they say, is the reality that whenever a resident or household is under attack and cries out for help, other neighbours dare not venture outside for fear of being shot by the persons carrying out the attack.
Asserting that enough is enough, key stakeholders of the community held a “Call to Arms” o ar “Call to Mobilise” meeting at the Ruimveldt Lions Den, on Blue Mountain Road, North Ruimveldt on Saturday, to review the situation and map strategies aimed at ridding the community of the menace.
The meeting, to which key security stakeholders were invited, was chaired by Ms. Margaret Lawrence, and attracted more than 100 keenly enthusiastic residents of Festival City and North and South Ruimveldt. During the meeting, the residents brainstormed and expressed determination to play their part in bringing about a change for the better.
Among the panel of guest speakers were: Mr. Ovid Glasgow, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Ret’d) and Community Policing Icon; Inspector Joe, Officer-in-Charge of the East La Penitence Police Station; Mr. Neilson Mc Kenzie of the Ministry of Social Infrastructure; and Gary Thompson of the Festival City Community Policing Group. Also present at the meeting was Ms. Beverly London, Information Liaison to the Minister of Public Security The Hon Khemraj Ramjattan.
In her brief remarks, Ms Lawrence observed that even though crime seems to be on the upsurge in Guyana, the frequency and nature of criminal attacks being witnessed in North Ruimveldt is atrocious, and warrants immediate and serious intervention.
Lawrence recalled that the last horrendous event to have taken place in North Ruimveldt happened a short distance away from the Lions’ Den and involved a brutal attack on a hapless victim by a gang of four.
“There must be some way that we can react and ensure that Festival City remains the kind of community for which it was established in 1972, free of the bush now seen and the threat of danger.
“We have to find out what is wrong and put it right, ” Lawrence said. Recalling the good old days when Festival City was a place with wonderful, creative people living in peace and safety, Lawrence said it was time to have a resurgence of the good things it was intended for, and by which it was characterised.
Meanwhile, apart from the attitude of policemen, many of whom flout their responsibilities and fail to take timely or appropriate action when criminal matters are reported to them, other variables were highlighted which ultimately lend to the proliferation of crime in the neighbourhood.
There was also a request for assistance with having the bushes cut and playfields cleaned and rehabilitated for the benefit of the youths, noting that “The devil finds work for idle hands.”
Among other things discussed was the merit in hiring young men of the community who are not employed to execute the tasks associated with environmental beautification – such as desilting drains and weeding parapets and state reserve lands.
Responding to this proposal, Mr. Neilson Mc Kenzie who attended the meeting on behalf of the Minister of Public Infrastructure, having lived in Festival City for some years, recalled knowing this area from the inception “when the alleyways used to be cleaned, the roads well paved and there was a very low incidence of deviant behaviour and such things.”
However, outlining plans for the community, he said that the ministry has embarked on a mapping of Festival City and plans visiting the community to see how they could interface with residents.
He said the ministry is at present engaged in clearing and desilting drains and canals and carrying out some road repairs. The ministry is also looking at traffic management and installing street lights in key communities.
Such initiatives, among others named, it was considered, will go a far way towards deterring attempts at criminal activities.
Other panelists shared what their roles are in relation to security in the community before inviting questions and suggestions from residents present. Former Commander Ovid Glasgow with 44 years, 9 months policing experience under his belt, retiring at the level of Assistant Commissioner of Police had a wealth of knowledge to share, asserting that every one of us has a responsibility to fight crime.
The Community Policing Group’s representative Mr. Gary Thompson, noting that such an initiative was well warranted and long overdue, congratulated Ms. Lawrence and promised whatever help the Community Policing Group could give.
By Shirley Thomas