NEWLY-APPOINTED Commander, Senior Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan and his administrative team, have collectively made in excess of 80 transfers within the East Berbice/Corentyne Division, prior to launching the ‘Team Police’ initiative.

The initiative is expected to reduce crime in hot-spot areas and was launched at a simple, yet significant ceremony at the Main Street and Coopers Lane juncture, where members of the business community offered their full support.

Commander Ramlakhan said the ongoing exercise will not only have police on a 24-hour patrol, but unarmed ranks will be visible in all communities in the region.

“As commander, I would have walked around and visited the three sub-divisions and I believe it’s timely that the citizens benefit from an increased police presence… so in all station districts there will be a new team of police officers. Over the last 48 hours, the admin team made an excess of 80 transfers within the division… we find that persons were at stations too long. Some three, some four years. That is unacceptable. New faces will be seen in an attempt to bring positive change,” he posited.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commander, Alistair Roberts, noted that the pilot project commenced in New Amsterdam and will be expanded to the other sub divisions.
This will be done in adherence to COVID-19 regulations.

A call has been issued to the citizenry to assist with enforcement as without the presence of the general population, the bars and rum shops will have no need to be opened.
In addition, Officer-in-Charge of Number One sub-division, Superintendent Yonette Stephens, has informed the populace that nine teams, in groups of three will be interfacing with the public and business personnel while motorcycle patrols will be supported by vehicular patrols at night.
Regional Executive Officer, Navindra Persaud, applauded the initiative while noting that crime has many negative spinoffs such as slowing down economic progress and instability in homes.

“This is a start of improving lives for all. As long crime is down, there will be economic progress,” he said.
Adding his voice, business community representative, Imran Saccoor, reminded the security officer of the ‘Back foot’ position, in terms of surviving; the business community was forced to take because of COVID-19 measures.

“Although we may want to put draconian rules in place, we can be reasonable to those persons operating within the entertainment environment… because we are not making money it will put a strain on the financial system… I trust the business people will understand the concerns of the police, and, in like manner the police will also understand the concerns of the business people.”

Among those in attendance were Deputy Mayor of New Amsterdam, Wainwright Mc Intosh, who expressed gratitude for the private public partnership; Divisional Officers; Officer in charge of Prison, Superintendent Holligan; Post Master Seymour; representatives of the Municipal Constabulary and other members of the business community.