PUBLIC Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, has called on parents in the Pomeroon-Supenaam region to encourage their children to join the Guyana Police Force.

Minister Ramjattan was at the time conducting a mini-outreach with Minister of Business Haimraj Bernard Rajkumar in the agricultural region.

Speaking to a gathering of farmers, businessmen and residents at State House on Saturday afternoon, Minister Ramjattan said he visited the region to inspect the conditions of the police stations and to listen to residents’ concerns

During interaction with the businessmen, a plethora of issues were raised concerning security and policemen in the region.

There were issues outside the remit of his ministry and he encouraged those residents to visit the Anna Regina Park on May 29, as government will be conducting a cabinet outreach. The outreach will seek to address problems affecting residents within the region.

During his address to the gathering, Minister Ramjattan explained that there have been tremendous improvements in the Ministry of Public Security and necessary programmes and law enforcement were put in place to deal with security issues.

He said there has been significant strengthening of security to protect Guyana’s citizens. For the first time, he said Guyana has got a DEA unit, which is commendable.

The minister also said that community leaders play a pivotal role in the nurturing of youths in the society and youths need to get involved in social activities, such as basketball, domino, and cricket and to stay away from illegal activities.

He observed too that “rum-drinking” has resulted in too many domestic problems in Guyana and called for it to stop.

Speaking on piracy, the minister said there have been fewer cases, since the new administration took office, thanks to heightened security by government.

He also told residents to invest in their children’s education.

“Guyana will soon be one of the wealthiest countries in the world, and as such, we must be prepared to deal with this, our youths must be educated,” Ramjattan said.

During the meeting, one resident Seecharran (only name given), suggested a mess hall be constructed for policemen at the various stations, where they could be offered free meals.

Another resident also called on the minister to look into the process concerning the issuing of firearms. Businessman Nahib Sabar, who was robbed five times, said his life is at risk and he is yet to receive justice.

The minister, after listening to Sabar’s plight, ordered the commander of ‘G’ Division to provide a detailed report into the robberies the businessman suffered.

Sabar was recently robbed of $7 million and a number of cellphones. Residents also called for unlicensed liquor shops to be raided as they evade taxes.

As it relates to firearms, Minister Ramjattan said that there is a process.

Minister Rajkumar also addressed several issues currently affecting the Region Two business community.