The police yesterday began erecting an outpost at the Meadow Bank Wharf but this led to some stalls being damaged, necessitating a hurried reallocation of vendors to other areas and repairs.
A statement from the police noted that President Irfaan Ali visited the East Bank wharf on Thursday, 21st July and interacted with individuals there.
During these interactions, several issues were raised including frequent robberies and simple larceny. The individuals stated that these crimes occur because of the absence of a continuous Police presence in the area.
The statement said that this resulted in the Administration of the Guyana Police Force being tasked with establishing a permanent presence to provide continuous security to persons plying their trade there.
Consequently, an area situated on the southern parapet of the access road to the complex was identified as the most suitable point to establish the Police Outpost.
“However, there were a few makeshift stalls at that location that had to be removed to accommodate the Police Outpost and support services. During the process of preparing the area for the Police Outpost, the machine that was operating accidentally damaged some makeshift stalls in the general vicinity. The owners of these damaged stalls were, understandably, dissatisfied and protested this occurrence”, the police said.
The police added that this incident was communicated on social media with insinuations that the President had instructed that these makeshift stalls be demolished.
“The Administration of the Force would like to categorically refute those insinuations and assertions and to state that His Excellency’s directions were to ensure continuous security to the complex and its environs.
“Further, the Administration of the Force held discussions with the affected stall-holders, and collaborated with the management of the facility, Ministry of Agriculture and other stakeholders to relocate them to a more suitable area within the Wharf complex.
“The damaged makeshift stalls are currently being reconstructed to facilitate the fish vendors to continue plying their trade (today)”, the police said.
Additionally, the police are in contact with the Guyana Power & Light Inc., and the Management of the Meadow Bank Wharf Complex to install other support services such as lights and potable water.
Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration’ Calvin Brutus visited the area yesterday. Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha also visited.
