Child sexual abuse a concern in Region 1 – Police Commander Mandall
— says other serious crimes on the decline
Region One Police Commander, Superintendent Khalid Mandall has reported that crime is on the decline in Mabaruma and other sub-districts within the region despite an influx of Venezuelan migrants.
Superintendent Khalid Mandall, Director of the Police Corporate Communications Unit Mark Ramotar, his Deputy Stan Gouveia and others at the meeting
Only recently, several cases of child sexual molestation were reported to have occurred in the region. The victims are girls below the age of 16.
On this note, Mandall said that is a concern for the Police but noted that he has taken a no-nonsense and proactive approach to tackle the issue.
It was reported that within the past month, several cases of sexual abuse of minors were reported in Region One (Barima-Waini).
Due to the obvious challenges and difficulties associated with monitoring and traversing the expansive terrain with limited resources, Commander Mandall said his team has been involved in a number of community initiatives aimed at building trust.
The Commander made these remarks during a meeting with the Director of the Police Corporate Communications Unit (CCU), Mark Ramotar, his Deputy Stan Gouveia and other ranks from the unit.
The meeting was held in the boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) for Region One.
“A lot of time(s), perception can be viewed as reality…every policeman and woman are PRO agents in their own right,” Mandall asserted while giving assurance of his team’s full support to the CCU’s push to improve and accentuate the face and image of the Guyana Police Force.
The Commander – along with his Deputy Mark Vigilance and administrative team highlighted a number of issues inclusive of the formation of community policing and youth groups in the various districts.
Additionally, Mandall spoke of the challenges faced by the Police in the division which include domestic violence, statutory rape and child abuse.
In an effort to curb this behaviour, sensitisation campaigns are being done by the Commander and his team in the form of lectures within the communities.
Ramotar and Gouveia applauded the Commander and his team for bringing these issues to the fore so that attention and assistance can be provided.
