In approximately six weeks Linden will be boasting a brand new $7.8M police outpost at Amelia’s Ward, Mackenzie, answering the cries of many residents who have been suffering at the hands of bandits amidst the feeling of insecurity in the area.
The project which is being funded by the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Home Affairs was the brainchild of the Linden Station Management Committee (LSMC).
In the latter part of 2009 the LSMC made the proposal to Commissioner of Police Henry Greene. This followed the strong advocacy by members of the organization which has among its membership business persons and other interested individuals from prominent institutions in Linden who are collaborating to ensure the security of persons and property in the community.
The contract was approved and awarded to William Ferrel General Building Contractor early in February and according to Ferrel the outpost will be completed in the next six weeks. The 48 x 28 structure will have two holding cells, a senior officer’s room, barracks, accommodation
for interviews, enquiries, complaints and a kitchen and dining room, among others. But fencing does not form part of this contract.
In the beginning the LSMC had proposed raising funds for the construction of the police facility. They were responsible for identifying the location of the outpost which is in the buffer zone at Amelia’s Ward. Through community efforts the plot of land was stumped, de-bushed and leveled.
Prior to this, the LSMC held consultations with the Regional Democratic Council, and the Linden Mayor and Town Council, and both of these bodies gave their blessings. The committee is having a close eye on the construction to ensure that it is built to specifications and is completed according to the timeline.
Currently the committee with assistance from BOSAI and Banks DIH Ltd. is spearheading the development of a meeting and recreational area at the existing Police Station at Mackenzie in preparation for a memorial planned for April 2011.
The group is also credited with spearheading the formation of the first Linden Police Scout Group which to date has an active membership in excess of two hundred children. Since their formation in 2009 they have also held several interactive sessions with community groups and parent- teacher associations in collaboration with the police.
