REGION Seven’s remote location, coupled with the rugged terrain, long distances and poor communication, makes maintaining public safety a formidable task. Despite these challenges, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) remains resolute in its mandate to serve and protect communities here.

Commander of Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Senior Superintendent of Police, Dion Moore, highlighted the difficulties his team faces during a recent interview with Radio Eve Leary.
Bartica, known as the “Gateway to the Interior,” which is surrounded by dense forests and rivers, is where the regional police headquarters (Bartica Police Station) is also located.

The police ranks stationed there routinely travel the challenging terrain, using boats and all-terrain vehicles to reach the more remote locations. This dedication is not without risks, as the ‘cops’ frequently face inclement weather and dangerous travel routes.

“We don’t really look at the challenges that much. What we focus on is achieving results and serving the people of the region. Of course, there are challenges, especially with the rainy season upon us. Many trails that we have to traverse… some of them are washed away. Some of them, the dirt gets loose and large trucks and so that traverse the trails pose a challenge for the smaller vehicles that go through those trails,” Commander Moore explained.

He said officers are well-trained and equipped to handle those conditions. According to him, the police have undertaken several initiatives to improve their operational efficiency and community relations.
“Yes, they may encounter difficulties but, with the help of members of the public, they get assistance to navigate their way to get to wherever they have to go. And we as policemen and women, we too assist persons as we go along those trails. Many times, you find a person got stuck; you pull up and provide help for them. Not only just the trails but sometimes the waterways, the hills that you have to go up and come down. That, in itself, poses a high, high difficulty at times.”

He stated that the nearest police station from Bartica is approximately one hour by road or boat. Moore stated that for ranks to reach many of the police stations, particularly those in the number two sub-division, they would need to fly to Georgetown and then return via aircraft. Region Seven is divided into two sub-divisions. Sub-division number one—Bartica—consists of six police stations, two police outposts and three checkpoints. Sub-division number two has six police stations, two checkpoints and three border stations.

While the number two sub-division can be accessed by road and water at times, Commander Moore said this takes 24 hours or sometimes, two days.
Superintendent Moore noted that the police in Region Seven have excellent collaboration with the various Community Policing Groups. “We have an excellent working relationship with the community policing group members. Those Community Policing Group members assist on a daily basis in the protection of the border and [ Police ranks].”

He added: “Those Community Policing Group members they live there, they understand the culture, they understand the people and they have been working assiduously along with the police to ensure that justice is served. They often would give you pertinent information which you can use to prevent security breaches.”

The police in Region Seven conduct regular engagement programmes to foster a sense of trust and cooperation between the police and the residents.

“In most of the areas where there are connectivity issues, there is often some Wi-Fi system that is being provided but it comes at a cost. When we venture out on our outreaches, we will provide WhatsApp numbers to them (residents) so that they can send information,” Moore noted. The government has made significant investments in Community Policing Groups because it recognises their importance in crime prevention in remote and rural communities.