$65M Police station commissioned at La Parfaite Harmonie

A new Police station was officially commissioned at La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD), on Friday, almost two years after residents in that area had made calls for the much-needed Police presence in the area.

According to Police Commissioner Leslie James, it is expected that with the new Police station in a booming housing development location, most of the security concerns of residents will be addressed in a timely manner since Police assistance in that area can now be easily accessed.
“We will make it very clear to the ranks stationed here that our motto must be maintained, that is, service and protection. It is a clear display of the fact that we are all serious to deal with the issue of crime, to deal with the issue of protecting our citizens in the length and breadth of this great nation. So today (Friday), being here to witness this simple, but important, ceremony which is the commissioning of the La Parfaite Harmonie Police station augurs well for the Force, augurs well for the country…”
Meanwhile, Deputy Police Commissioner Paul Williams, who has responsibility for the GPF’s Administration Department, pointed out that the move to construct and open the Police station in La Parfaite Harmonie materialised after careful consideration.
“With all of our analysis, with all our inspection and with all we would have done from a security standpoint, we recognise it is very important and critical for this community. Without law, there would be lawlessness, without a Police station, it simply means it definitely can contribute to chaos, public disorder and even to some amount of extent, an increase in crime”.
Additionally, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan noted that the Police station is better equipped with a modernised lay out. He added that the ranks who operate there will be in a better position to do their duties of serving and protecting citizens.
He stated that the station is also equipped with external washrooms and waiting area for visitors and that much effort has been made to ensure that it is “user-friendly” by members of the public.
“…and those who will come to make complaints, use it, giving witness statements and those who in view of a new development with domestic violence and intra-family incidents so that they are going to have privacy when talking and not having the entire community hearing their private business…There will be confidentiality in certain proceedings and the space to ensure that confidentiality,” he added.
Last month, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Nigel Hoppie had told residents that the new facility will contribute to the continuous decrease in criminal activities which are already recorded to be at 27 per cent.
Back in 2017, residents were encouraged to form a Community Policing Group since there was no tangible Police presence in the community. (Kristen Macklingam)