The first component of the Citizens Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP) was launched on Wednesday with the focus on curbing crime and violence in targeted communities.
The programme is a collaborative effort between the Public Security Ministry and the Inter-American Development (IDB), which is funding the CSSP.
Some 20 communities in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) have been identified for the ‘Community Crime and Violence Prevention’ project – component one of the CSSP.
A section of the gathering at the launching of the IDB-funded CSSP – Phase TwoFrom left: Deputy Mayor of Georgetown Sherod Duncan, IDB Country Representative Sophie Makonnen, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, Junior Education Minister Nicolette Henry and Permanent Secretary of the Public Security Ministry, Daniella McCalmon at the launching ceremony
The CSSP aims at reducing crime and violence in Guyana, especially in the targeted communities and among youths, by increasing their human and social capacity through various programmes; such as skills training, developing community leadership in violence prevention and promoting community cohesion, among others.
Speaking at the launching ceremony, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan pointed out that the crime rate in Guyana is compounded by the high incidents of violent behaviours at the community level, especially among youths.
He mentioned the recent incident where 13-year-old Daveanand Sanichar was beaten to death just over a week ago a few houses away from his Plantain Walk Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara, home. The Minister also reflected on another incident where an 18-year-old was in the company of his father and another individual when they carried out the gruesome triple murder at Mibicuri, Black Bush Polder.
“So this component of the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme is a grass roots attempt designed to address these kinds of crime and violence at the community level by reducing the contributing factors while at the same time strengthening the protective factors,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Minister within the Education Ministry Nicolette Henry, who has responsibility for youth, in brief remarks highlighted the need for a collective approach in tackling the issue of crime and violence.
She pointed out that for Guyana to become free from violent crimes, every citizen must play a role. “Parents, therefore, need to work with their children and even other children so that we can reduce the risks of someone that is loved becoming a perpetrator or a victim of violence and crime,” she stated.
According to the Junior Education Minister, children need to be taught how to handle conflicts and problems without using force. She noted that Government has recognised this, hence, it has conducted training programmes across the various regions, targeting youths who were exposed to life skills which will help them to face challenges.
Additionally, IDB Country Representative, Sophie Makonnen, also underscored the importance of having community participation in efforts to curb crime and violence, noting that it is a key component of any Citizens’ Security Strengthening Programme.
She pointed out that the CSSP will contribute to addressing the key causes of crime and violence while at the same time, contributing to institutional strengthening as well.
“Community-based interventions promote greater social cohesion, encourage peaceful conflict resolution and the use of mediation prevention activities in order for the communities not to get to the place where violence and Police has to intervene… Police is necessary but you do not have to go there,” she remarked.
Of the US$15 million loan from the IDB, some US$5.7 million will be spent on the first component to support the ‘Community Crime and Violence Prevention’ under the CSSP.
Among the 20 communities to benefit from this project are Vreen-en-Hoop and Westminster in Region Three; Rosignol in Region Five; Wismar in Region 10, and Friendship-Kildonan, Albion-Fyrish, Port Mourant and Rose Hall, Adelphi Village and Canefield and Angoy’s Avenue in Region Six.
Other communities are Albouystown; Charlestown; Sophia; South Ruimveldt Park and Gardens, North Ruimveldt; Alberttown and South Cummingsburg; Kingston and Lacytown, La Pentience and West Ruimveldt, Agricola-McDoom; Mocha-Providence; Annandale-Lusignan; Buxton-Friendship and Vigilance, and Enmore-Haslington in Region Four. (Vahnu Manickchand)
