By Cindy Parkinson
THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) has increased its foot and mobile patrols across the country as part of efforts to ensure that citizens are safe while conducting their business and shopping during the Christmas season.

The Guyana Chronicle recently visited parts of Georgetown and spoke to several persons, all of whom said they are grateful that the police have beefed up security.

Police ranks and booths were observed at strategic locations around Georgetown, at the Giftland Mall, Movie Towne and the University of Guyana, and along the lower section of the East Coast corridor.

Wayne Pereira, manager of Innovations America, expressed his gratitude to the Government of Guyana and police force for looking out for the business community as well as for the customers during this season, which is the busiest time of the year.

“We are now getting into the Christmas season; business is picking up and we have a store that offers a one-stop shopping experience. There are a variety of items that can be found under one roof and the added security on the streets makes it even better,” he told this publication.

He said that based on his observations, the ranks are doing a good job to secure the streets of Georgetown.

“They are all over, not only in Georgetown but all around Guyana. I drive all over and you can see them operating in a smooth manner. Some of them are directing traffic while others are helping shoppers and making sure that the people feel safer as they move around and that is something good. It’s always a good feeling to see the police presence in any community; the owners and customers feel safer and that’s always a good thing for us,” he said.

Pereira noted that Innovations America and its sister companies always try to “keep up” with their social responsibilities by giving back to the people of Guyana through their annual toy drives and donations to the less fortunate and charitable organisations, because it is “the right thing to do.”

Meanwhile, Clinton Alphonso of Mining Security Inc. and Innovations America, is giving back to the hard-working ranks by supplying them with refreshments and providing access to washroom facilities.

“We are setting the trend and we are hoping that others can follow. At the end of the day, we are all human beings. They are doing a very good job for everyone and we are being supportive and appreciative of them for all that they do. It is our hope that others can follow in our footsteps and to remember that little gestures go a long way for someone.”

Mona Ramlall, owner of the George Sookhoo New Store on Regent Street said, “So far, we are feeling safe because the police officers are all over the streets patrolling and they even come into the stores to make sure that everything is going well. My customers are happy with them being around, as long as they see the police around. They seem more relaxed and walk around with more ease. We are thankful for them.”

Florence (the only name given), a vendor, expressed her appreciation for the ranks being very vigilant and courteous towards the people and vendors.

Toya James, an early Christmas shopper, said, “It’s the first time I feel like I don’t have to hold onto my purse tight. Everywhere you turn, there is a policeman and I think we need to have this all the time and not just for the Christmas season. The President is doing a good job with cleaning up the place and putting the police on the streets.”