Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee recently handed over 30 bicycles to 12 community policing groups (CPGs) operating within the six police divisions.

According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release Rohee said similar donations will be made to CPGs in Bartica and other parts of Region Seven in the new year.

The donation, including torch lights sourced from the Chinese Trading Company and the Golden Bridge store is a demonstration of the good relations between government and the private sector, the minister said. He said too he hopes the donation prompts more support from the private sector to CPGs “because their properties are also protected by patrols of the Community Policing [G]roups.”

Rohee said CPGs perform a role that augments that of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) which is often at the centre of blame by some sections of the public. “The whole purpose of community policing is to assist with these deficiencies.

There are CPG vehicles, motorcycles, outboard motors, bicycles and foot patrols,” Rohee said.

At the same time the minister added that the mobile resources provided are in no way intended to substitute for the foot patrol functions of CPGs.

Meanwhile, Liaison officer of ‘D’ Division Khain Singh who received the bicycles on behalf of the group promised that the resources will be put into good use after Rohee urged the groups to ensure that the items are given proper maintenance.

GINA said the resources were handed over at the ministry.