Residents of Virginia and Cane Grove, Mahaica in Region Four expressed concerns about noise nuisance, lack of security guards at schools, school drop-outs and the presence of a Community Policing Group (CPG) when Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee and Com-mander of ‘C’ Division Gavin Primo met with them on Thursday last week.
Other concerns raised by the residents included the issuing of firearm licences, the need for more police officers, NIS pensions, speeding and the inappropriate parking of agricultural vehicles along the roadside, according to a Government Information Agency (Gina) press release.
In response to the concerns regarding the community policing group, Minister Rohee told the residents that the establishment of a CPG must be welcomed since it indicated citizens’ willingness to protect their communities by working along with the police force.
He noted that the number of people in the Cane Grove CPG was not representative of the community’s population and more needed to be done. The hope was expressed that following the meeting other residents would join the CPG.
Rohee also advised that the CPG should be officially launched in the presence of the relevant authorities and registered with the ministry and this would result in the group receiving assistance in securing patrol vehicles and support from the police force when conducting their rounds.
And in this regard, Rohee noted the need for more vibrant and active CPGs across the country, although he pointed out that government was not obliged to issue firearms to citizens, the release stated. Additionally, individuals did not have the right to change the standard procedures and laws of engagement of the CPGs.
In addressing the noise nuisance issue, Rohee said that this had become a national concern and the ministry had launched a campaign to address it. The names of perpetrators had been published in the newspapers – a shame and blame tactic – and police officers had the authority to seize the equipment.
The law stated that music which is loud, continuous and repetitive warrants reports from citizens, Rohee added. Additionally, the Environ-mental Protection Agency had certain responsibilities to-wards addressing noise nuisance as did the police force.
In this regard, citizens ought not to be chased out of police stations when lodging complaints since officers were obliged to log them and follow-ups had to be done.
And citizens who were not satisfied with the treatment they received from police officers could approach the Home Affairs Ministry and other disciplinary agencies to highlight their dissatisfaction, the release said.
Meanwhile, in addressing the concern of school drop-outs, children not attending school and drug use, the minister indicated that these social issues required inputs from parents, Parent Teachers Associations (PTAs), religious organisations and communities.
This role must be taken seriously and there should be the involvement of youths in social and sport activities so as to keep them away from the ills of society.
He drew attention to government’s provision of assistance for single mothers, thereby enabling them to provide for their families.
In relation to the unavailability of security guards at the Virginia Primary School, Rohee stated that the Education Ministry was responsible for that aspect.
He indicated that following the recent incident at the Patentia Secondary School a request was made for police officers to patrol the area at specific times as a security measure.
Head of Community Polic-ing Groups, Ovid Glasgow emphasised that the community meetings were intended to enhance community and family development and develop positive relationships by engaging with the appropriate organisations.
Commander Primo noted that the Guyana Police Force was responsible for making citizens’ lives productive and ensuring their belongings were safe. He emphasised that the community should work along with the police force to ensure the security of society, Gina reported him as saying.
