– at sparsely attended police/community meeting

Speeding minibuses trying to avoid traffic lights, vehicles owned by a security firm blocking traffic and noise nuisance from barking dogs were among some of the issues raised by residents of Queenstown who attended a `Face the Community’ meeting yesterday.

This is the fourth meeting hosted by `A’ Division as part of the campaign by the Guyana Police Force to improve police-community relations but once again it was poorly attended. Police officers yesterday outnumbered the residents, as only about four turned up. The meeting catered for the residents of Queenstown, Alberttown and Wortmanville.

Deputy Commander Senior Superintendent Derrick Josiah, Assistant Superintendent Khali Pareshram and Cadet Officer John Barker were on hand to address the concerns of the residents.

During the discussions, the importance of establishing Community Policing Groups (CPG) to assist the police with minor issues was stressed. The development of youth clubs is also one of the focuses of ‘A’ Division so as to keep youths off the streets by engaging them in meaningful activities. At present, there is one at the Alberttown Police Station which has a membership of about 20. Residents were told that if they wanted to form a youth club in their area, contacting the police is the first step.

In his opening remarks, Josiah said that the police cannot fight crime alone and need the help of members of the community. He noted that the forum could also be used to raise issues about the work of ranks. He assured those gathered that whatever information is given will be examined and the appropriate action will be taken.

Speaking first, a resident of Queenstown thanked the police force for hosting the meeting but emphasized that more persons should have been in attendance.

The woman, who did not identify herself, said that since the installation of traffic lights the Queenstown area had become “a thoroughfare for minibuses” which speed and as such she can no longer have her children riding or walking on the street.

She noted that recently she witnessed a smash up in the area but despite this the minibus drivers continue with the lawlessness.

The resident noted too that the traffic signs at various junctions need to be urgently addressed adding that garbage had become a major concern for her.

“It makes my blood boil to see people throwing bottles out their windows [vehicles],” she said, stressing that residents of Queenstown make an effort to keep their surroundings clean and tidy.

She implored the ranks to look for some means of empowering citizens to take action against such lawless behaviour.

Traffic congestion and speeding in school zones were other concerns addressed. The resident also said that the vehicles attached to the Federal Management Systems Inc have been blocking up Peter Rose Street. She stated that this practice is a nuisance to residents and although she had spoken to the managing director, the situation has not been rectified. Another resident while addressing this issue told the police that because of how the vehicles are parked, it is hard to see oncoming traffic.

The resident called for some sort of speed control to be put in place as taxis and motorcycles just blow their horns and expect everyone to stop for them to pass.

Commenting on these concerns, Josiah said that the diversion of minibuses from their route is an offence and the traffic department has been faced with this issue for some time now. He stated that at the moment there is a staff shortage and it is because of this that they are trying to have Community Policing Groups (CPG) established.

He stated that traffic signs are the responsibility of the Ministry of Public Works but occasionally the traffic department and organisations would do it. Despite this, he said, the police will see how best they could help address the concerns that were raised.

Another resident praised ASP Pareshram for rectifying an experience she had recently. She explained that persons have been using open plots of land in the area for various activities including, working with metals, car washes and in some instances there is a generator.

She described these actions as “environmentally unfriendly and a nuisance” stressing that such activities should not be happening anywhere particularly in residential Queenstown.

The woman said that the constant barking of dogs in homes has been bothering her and when complaints are made to the owners, the responses are not favourable.

“I am wondering if dogs are part of the noise nuisance campaign,” she said before adding that the issues of drug addicts, people of unsound mind, dog/cock fighting around the city and horse racing on Home Stretch Avenue are also of concern.

Responding to the barking dogs, Josiah advised the resident to report the matter to the police so that it could be handled. He said in a case like this the owners will have to muzzle their dogs.

He stated that drug addicts and people of unsound mind are the responsibility of the Social Services Ministry which currently has a campaign on. He noted that if at anytime the ministry needed assistance, the police would cooperate.

Horse racing, he said, has been brought to the force’s attention but so far they have been unable to catch the culprits who always manage to escape before the police arrive.

According to Josiah, horse racing is done on Sunday mornings and works in conjunction with the changing traffic lights. “These people have a look out. We have to create a strategy to deal with it,” he said before appealing to all those involved to desist from participating in this dangerous and unlawful activity.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the ‘A’ Division CPG Rawle Blyden urged the residents gathered to form groups so as to lend a helping hand to the police.