GPF pushes to re-establish scout groups in all regions

Acting Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken along with a team visited several communities including Kaneville, East Bank Demerara (EBD), and Bare Root, East Coast Demerara (ECD), in his pursuit of bridging the gap between residents and law enforcement officers.
During his visit to the communities, the Commissioner said that the Force is in the process of re-establishing scouts in all of the regions.

He noted that the skill sets learnt through the Scouts Association will benefit the youths in making them more marketable in acquiring positive employment while noting that this can only be possible by having trust in the Police Force.
He said this is in order for them to harness the children in a positive way, inculcate positive cultures and refrain from delinquent behaviours.
He assured the gathering that training will commence within the next two weeks under the supervision of the Police with permission granted by their parents and in return, the youths will share values learnt with their communities.
“You must be your brother’s keeper if we are to move forward in a cohesive manner,” the Commissioner said.
Hicken also alluded to the need for unity amongst the residents of the communities – reminding them that their neighbour is their best security. He said when persons “are pulling their curtains, it must be pulled for a specific purpose, which is to be their brothers’ and sisters’ keeper”.

With the golden opportunity of having community policing in each community, the Top Cop urged that groups should be formed to aid in creating a safe environment. “Members of the corporate sector must be able to go into your community without fear for employment and job opportunities,” he declared.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner “Administration” (ag) Calvin Brutus in addressing the residents, informed them of the Force’s commitment to the reactivation of youth activities, including the youth pageants, youth groups and sports – which were dormant.
“We want to ensure that we have a crime-free community,” Brutus pleaded.
He further stated that the Guyana Police Force in partnership with other stakeholders will be assisting with vocational training, academic studies and scholarships for children from primary to secondary education.
Brutus said such scholarships will not only be extended to the tuition fees, “but all the resources required to do their academic studies in ensuring that the youths are occupied in the acquisition of a sound education so that they are suitably equipped for Guyana’s promising future”.
He assured the residents that as the programme thrives, they (the current leadership of the GPF) are forming a foundation so that it will continue to prevail long after they are gone.
Efforts are also being made to aid with funds for youths to kickstart their own businesses. This, Brutus said, can only be accomplished by the support of the community.
At the end of the outreach, several food hampers and kites were distributed to the residents of the various communities.