THE Region Three community of Best Village, West Coast Demerara, recently benefited from a library of books and two footballs, compliments of ‘D’ Division Commander Stephen Mansell, who is seeking to help out-of-school and unemployed youths.The Best United Community Group, headed by Antonio Paul, reportedly has about 120 members, including youths and adults, and these have all been exposed to some form of training. Paul explained that these members have launched a mini-library in an act made possible through Police ‘D’ Division Commander Stephen Mansell.

Paul told the Guyana Chronicle that the aim of the group’s members is to empower residents in the community. The group conducts remedial classes and gets the youths to participate in sporting activities. In addition, Paul said, they have been engaged in clean-up campaigns around the village since the group’s establishment last November, and have registered with the Department of Culture, Youth and Sports.

Paul said the members are mostly self-supported through their many fund-raising activities, but the group receives donations of cash and kind from others. He added that they want to continue to partner with others, and that is why they have requested help of the ‘D’ Division Police, who have responded in a timely manner and made the donation at Paul’s residence, which houses a makeshift library.

Paul said that community is focused on working closely with the police and others to reduce crime.

Commander Mansell told this newspaper that the police purchased a quantity of books, obtained some from the Ministry of Education, and also bought the footballs which, like the books, have all been donated to the group.

Region Three Executive Officer Denis Jaikaran has since pledged his support to this group, and has identified a plot of land for the construction of a skills training centre in the community.

He was represented by Region 3 Engineer Shanganand Singh, who said he was pleased to be a part of the Tuesday afternoon presentation, which residents had gathered to witness during the handing over ceremony.

Also present was Police Community Relations Officer Inspector Andre Grant, and Pastor Derek Anderson of the Cops and Faith Ministry/Assembly of God.

The Best United Community Group has embarked on the social crime prevention programme which targets youths for self-development.

The group has, however, been invited by Commander Mansell to visit the Leonora Training Centre to participate in the 6-week computer training programme.

Meanwhile, 10 women were also invited to participate in the food and nutrition programme which will be done at Medina Restaurant at Meten-Meer-Zorg, also on the West Coast of Demerara.

(Story and Photo by Michel Outridge)