A team of ranks from the Joint Services on Thursday travelled to Region One (Barima-Waini) to conduct a security assessment in light of the recent allegation of sexual assault where members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) are alleged to be the perpetrators.
In a press statement yesterday, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) said that during the visit, the Regional Administration was assured that the matter will be thoroughly investigated.
The assurance was given during a meeting held in the boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region One.
The Joint Services team was led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken and Colonel Skeete of the GDF. Representatives from the region included Regional Chairman Brentol Ashely and Vice Chair Annasha Peters.
According to the statement, both teams have committed to rebuilding the image and public trust of the Joint Services across the region.
A number of other issues, including the poor accommodation for the members of the Joint Services, the timely payment of contracted suppliers of the Joint Services and the need for proper and adequate transportation, for both land and water to effectively combat crime and other duties were also raised by officials of the region during the meeting.
Additionally, the teams were engaged in talks of continued collaboration to ensure highly maintained security to the Region was explored.
The statement further noted that the Joint Services team reiterated the ranks serving the region are required to be proactive while conducting their duties with a high level of professionalism.
Following the conclusion of the meeting, the Joint Services team visited several areas in the region including Morawhanna, Shell Beach and the Mabaruma Police Station where ranks were briefed of what was expected of them while serving in the region.
They were also urged to continue to work together as a team to fulfill the mandate of securing the region and the country’s frontier.
