– Police Commissioner to collaborate with miners to enhance security

IN the midst of engaging miners in Bartica, Region Seven, President Dr. Irfaan Ali contemplated strategies for fostering greater collaboration to enhance security within the mining communities of the region.
Tragedy struck in Arimu Backdam earlier this week, as two miners fell victim to masked gunmen who attacked and fatally robbed them.

During Wednesday’s engagement, a resident who identified himself as a miner recounted the recent events and requested assistance to improve security.
President Ali, in response, noted that he will initiate a meeting with the Police Commissioner [Clifton Hicken] and miners to enhance collaboration.

The top cop, who was present during the engagement, is expected to meet again with miners and other stakeholders.
During the engagement, one of the concerned miners voiced, “A miner myself, I think we should get better security, especially in the interior area. Like patrols.’
Further, the Head of State noted that, while most miners have their own private security, a network could be established to enhance this.

“All you miners that are mining in a locality, when you go into the area, you have to build a network among yourself so that you can support each other,” President Ali said.

On Monday it was reported that police are hunting for the two men in connection with the murders of Zaheer Mohammed Sheriff, a 50-year-old of Byderabo Road, Bartica, and Donvan Washington, a 26-year-old porter of Lot 11 Seventh Avenue, Bartica.

According to the police, the suspects, two masked men on a red ATV, allegedly carted off with 102 ounces of raw gold valued at $37M and two licensed firearms (a .32 pistol and a 12-gauge shotgun) belonging to Sheriff.

Sheriff is the owner of a six-inch land dredge operation at Arimu Backdam.
On Wednesday Sheriff was laid to rest in Bartica, President Ali joined the family members and friends of the businessman for the funeral service.