MEMBERS of Police ‘G’ Division, donors and residents at a simple ceremony joined together last Friday to turn the sod for the construction of a Multi-Purpose facility at the Affiance, Number 1 Sports ground on the Essequibo Coast.
It is the first resource centre to be constructed in the Region by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in collaboration with donors.

It is an initiative of the Commissioner of Police Mr Seelall Persaud. The Centre is being built to actively engage youths throughout the Region and will include a library, computers, boxing gym and a counselling room among other recreational facilities.
According to Woman Inspector Syndilin Isaacs, the aim is to create better relationships with the various communities and to provide life-long skills for youths.
The ‘G’ Division of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is also partnering with the Essequibo Technical Institute (ETI) and the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) to enlist and sponsor students to undertake various courses including carpentry, electrical installation and masonry.

Additionally, each police station in the Region is attached to a Youth Club and provides similar guidance and leadership for the communities across the Essequibo Coast.
Meanwhile, the multi-purpose facility is estimated to cost in excess of $12M with funding primarily from the business community and other stakeholders.
The GPF has also undertaken to provide similar facilities in other areas including hinterland communities, as a means of reducing crime, creating opportunities and being a partner with society in developing the country.

Prayers were offered at the beginning of the ceremony which was attended by Police ranks including Woman Inspector Syndilin Isaacs and Sergeant Alfred Parks, along with Station Management Representative Baney Persaud, Regional Youth and Culture Officer Herald Alves and residents of the community.
The project is expected to be completed later in July, 2017.

(Elroy Stephney)