• Police response time improving

MINISTER of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan has informed Cabinet that there was a general reduction in crime from January 23 – 29, 2016 during which there were 27 reported cases of serious crimes, 21 road accidents but no fatalities.

At a post cabinet media briefing on Wednesday, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman revealed that the Guyana Police Force were responsible for 402kg and 491 grams of cannabis being seized and ten persons being charged.

He also noted that 777 grams of cocaine were also seized and four persons were charged, while the police destroyed 4000 cannabis plants and 44kg of dried cannabis.

The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) also seized 63kg of cocaine recently, Trotman said. Meanwhile, Cabinet was further informed that there was an improvement of police response to criminal activities, with the police being able to arrive at crime scenes in a timelier manner.

“The police were also able to make several arrests very soon after some crimes were committed. This has resulted in a very positive impact on the citizen/police relationships,” Minister Trotman said.

According to him, a National Security Committee was recently established and is being headed by President David Granger; the other members include Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo; Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; Minister Ramjattan and Heads of the security forces.

The committee meets on a weekly basis where crime statistics and analysis is presented.