IN keeping with the Guyana Police Force social crime prevention programme, Commander of ‘F’ Division and a team recently visited the village of Kalcoon, Lower Mazaruni, Region Seven, where discussions surrounded the formation of a youth group, a Community Policing Group (CPG) and extra-curricular activities in absence of a school for children.

Commander Ravindradat Budhram said that the Kalcoon Police Youth Group was formed with 45 youths with the aim of creating for them a positive environment.
He explained that two reputable villagers in the community were elected to head the youth group and noted that the police will assist on a fortnightly basis, given the fact that it takes two hours from Bartica to Kalcoon.

“Woman Corporal Vansluytman, will hold a meeting at a date earliest to discuss activities pertaining to the youth group,” the Commander said.

A number of items were donated to the youth group, including cricket bats, wickets, footballs, sneakers and flannel balls. Kalcoon is a small village located along the left bank of the Mazaruni River. It was incorporated into Bartica when its boundaries were expanded to convert it into a town. This village is now part of Constituency Seven and the main economic actives there are farming and fishing. The community has about 21 houses with a population of 160 persons, 60 of whom are children.

“Improving communications between law enforcement and youth is central to effective community policing. It keeps officers safe, and helps officers develop relationships with youth that can yield helpful information. Good communication means that interactions don’t escalate into complicated situations and result in unnecessary arrests,” the Commander said.

He underscored that a single conversation cannot address every issue but noted that a single conversation that is effective and respectful can spark interest and a willingness to consider more dialogue in the future.