IN a bid to curb crimes and foster a safer community, the police in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) have launched a comprehensive initiative aimed at engaging and supporting the youth.
The programme, which combines increased patrols with community outreaches, focuses on preventive measures and building trust between law enforcement and young residents.
During a recent interview on Radio Eve Leary, Commander of Region Seven, Senior Superintendent of Police Dion Moore emphasised the importance of prevention in combating crime.
Given its vast size, he said the region has multiple youth groups, and “we work with the children every week.”

“Now that some of the children are not going to school because of the ongoing situation, we don’t wait until weekends. We venture into those areas and we have them doing all types of work to enhance their livelihoods. Of course, it is better for us to look at the youth from now and prevent a crime rather than have to detect the crime,” Senior Superintendent Moore said.
He added: “Our preventative measures are always a priority. The aim is to embrace the youth and provide them with skills, knowledge and whatever is necessary and guide them in the way that they will understand that crime is not something that they need to commit. There are other ways they can do things to enhance their livelihoods and their lifestyles.”

A cornerstone of the initiative is the introduction of academic and vocational programmes which are designed to equip participants with the tools they need to make positive choices.
According to Senior Superintendent Moore, several community leaders are working with the youngsters, with assistance from organisations such as Food for the Poor Guyana, Banks DIH Limited, the Ministry of Health, and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).
He said that the participants could access vocational skills including farming and tie-dying, as well as free computer lessons provided by the Guyana Police Force Academy Zara Computer Centre.
Senior Superintendent Moore added that the computer centre opened in 2022 and that to date, almost 500 children and adults had completed foundation and advanced Microsoft Office courses.

“After the graduation [from the computer classes], they are equipped with the skillset that they can go and work in the fields and get meaningful employment. If you train these children in a given way, it will not just help them, it will help members of the community. Every time someone sees something positive coming out of a child they will embrace and support it,” he said.
The online driver’s licence theoretical exam is also conducted at the Zara Computer Centre. Overall, he disclosed that the crime rate in Region Seven is low, but urged members of the public to do their part to keep themselves and others safe and to co-operate with the police.