The Ministry of Home Affairs observed the 35th anniversary of community policing groups (CPGs) with a ceremony hosted by ‘C’ Division at the Lusignan tarmac, East Coast Demerara.
According to a Govern-ment Information Agency (GINA) press release prior to the ceremony, an inter-faith service was held at the Mon Repos Primary School where members of six police divisions from across the country then assembled at the Mon Repos tarmac and participated in a road march to the Lusignan tarmac. The programme was held under the theme, ‘Securing the community through effective community policing.’
In his address, Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee congratulated the groups for their service and cooperation with the Guyana Police Force (GPF). He pointed out that CPGs have won the respect, confidence and admiration of their respective communities because of their dedication and performance. He then urged communities to continue supporting the groups.
The minister also noted that community policing plays an important role in the efficiency of the GPF in ensuring that the country’s national security is intact and every citizen can feel comfortable and secure in their homes. He also noted that subsequent to the massacre at Lusignan in 2008, President Bharrat Jagdeo had pledged support to the ‘C’ Division to make it more effective and this is being fulfilled.
Rohee also charged members of the various CPGs to “make themselves visible in their respective communities” and to conduct activities in a manner that will not bring the groups into disrepute. He also encouraged divisional executives and members of the CPGs to identify communities that do not have CPGs and those whose groups were in default and help to resuscitate them.
According to Rohee, government is committed to ensuring that CPGs remain vibrant and relevant to the purpose for which they were established and will continue to provide funding and support.
In his address, Chairman of the National Executive Com-mittee Godfrey Washington called on ‘C’ Division to continue to serve its communities unselfishly. He also said he hopes communities can learn to appreciate the groups’ hard work and dedication. Mean-while, Commander of ‘C’ Division CPG Gavin Primo noted that members of the CPG should continue to build trust, understanding and co-operation with ranks of the GPF in their quest to contain crime in the country.
According to GINA, every year the programme to celebrate the anniversary of community policing are celebrated on a divisional basis. In 2009, the activities were organized by the members of ‘A’ Division and last year, by ‘B’ Division.
The first CPG was established in 1976 at La Grange, West Bank Demerara. During that time, it was the prevailing view that effective community policing would reduce neighbourhood crimes and enhancement communities.
