–suggests installation of security cameras in the area

PROMINENT member of the Guyana Society for the Blind, Ganesh Singh, has called on the relevant authorities to address a plethora of issues facing the community, especially that of security at its headquarters, located at High Street. Singh, during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, said that members of the society have been bombarded by increased criminal activities around the organisation. He lamented the lack of security in the area, and said that there is need for a more robust response to crimes reported by members of the organisation.
“It’s deplorable, it’s getting worse, because you know this is a hot spot and it’s been this way for years; however, for the past couple of months the guys have become more brazen. They are robbing with more frequency and the thing about it whenever you call the police or emergency numbers, they take a while to respond,” Singh said.
He suggested that enhanced police presence or the installation of security cameras in the area would help in mitigating instances of crime. His belief is that if perpetrators know they are being watched, they would be hesitant to rob or attack persons from the organisation. “We want more regular police patrols. We would like for the safe city cameras to be mounted somewhere on High Street. It would not just deter criminals from coming to us, but a lot of other people have been robbed in the area, even businesses,” Singh told this publication.

He added that even armed security would be welcomed, as it would provide the members of the organisation with some form of comfort and a sense of security.
“Armed security would be good, I don’t know if the city constabulary, the police force, even a private security company can provide us with armed security… this definitely will help a whole lot,” Singh said. Further, he related: “It would provide some level of confidence for the blind persons who have to come here. They have to come here, it’s not like they have a choice. They have to come here for services, training or whatever reasons.” Singh believes that once security cameras are installed in the area, it will not only deter criminals but also help to curb the garbage situation as well. He said many persons would use the area as a dumpsite, which is very hazardous to the visually impaired, as oftentimes they would get injured by debris such as broken glass bottles and metal waste. Singh said too that for the past two years, the organisation’s head office has been inundated, even with light rainfall.
Singh further said that the organisation has made a number of attempts to rectify the issue on its own through remedial works; however, the problem still persists and with the lack funds, the organisation is barely staying afloat. Nevertheless, he said that the society welcomes any form of support from the government and is open to other donors.