SEVERAL issues were resolved at a recent meeting between the police and villagers of Baramita, in North West District, Region One (Barima/Waini).
The Ministry of Home Affairs said in response to security concerns raised by the Baramita Village Council the discussion was arranged with the Divisional Commander of Police ‘F’ Division and a delegation comprising Toshao Bradley Thomas, Deputy Toshao Johnny Simon and attorney-at-law for the local authority, Mr. David James.  

Councillor Bernice Williams was also in attendance.  
A release said one of the matters raised was the establishment of a checkpoint at Baramita for the purpose of collecting landed tolls and gathering information on persons entering the reservation.
The delegation was advised to identify persons from the community to be trained and appointed as rural constables, to perform duties as specified by the Village Council.
In relation to the issues of noise nuisance, illegal sale of alcohol and drugs use by youths, ranks at Baramita Police Station were instructed to adopt a zero tolerance approach to those matters.
Ranks attached to Baramita Police Station, often seen in civilian clothing, were reminded of the Standing Order 12 ‘Appearance and Conduct’.

Business activities
The release said the Baramita villagers told the Police Divisional Commander that a constable and corporal were engaged in business activities and the two were, on May 9 last, transferred to Port Kaituma Police Station, also in the North West.
Baramita is a remote village located about 20 miles West of Matthews Ridge at an altitude of 99 metres (328 feet) close to the Guyana/Venezuela border. The community consists of some 1,700 people living in 17 settlements situated on titled lands.
Baramita is the second largest Amerindian community with land titles in Guyana, the largest being Masakinari (formerly Konashen), home of the Wai-Wais.
As of 2005, Baramita could be easily reached only by air but a road is planned to link it with Matthews Ridge.
The Village Council derives revenue from the payment of royalties by persons allowed to mine in the gold producing area of the titled lands.