GPF’s 182nd anniversary: Community outreach, inter-faith service hosted

The commemoration of the Guyana Police Force’s 182nd anniversary continued with a church service held on Friday by Regional Commander of Region six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan at the Central Police Station Compound, New Amsterdam, Berbice.

This event saw in attendance the New Amsterdam Mayor Winifred Heywood, Region Six Deputy Chairman Bhupaul Jaghroo and Region Six Deputy Commander, Superintendent Himnauth Sawh along with other officers, inspectors and ranks of Region Six.
Representatives from the Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Prison Service, Guyana Fire Service and Community Policing Groups within the region were also in attendance.

The service was officiated by Pastor Wesley LaFleur, who urged the ranks to seek and put God first in their lives and everything that they do. He also reminded them of the Force’s motto, “Service and Protection”, stating that it is still the main function of the organisation along with guaranteeing the safety and security of the citizens of Guyana.
The service prayers were conducted by Imaam Nazim Gafur from the Muslim faith, Pandit Deodat Persaud from the Hindu faith, and Pastor Indranauth Persaud from the Christian faith, with scripture readings being done by Sergeant Chisholm and Constable Simon.

Community outreach
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Clifton Hicken conducted a community outreach session, by visiting the riverine community of Orealla where issues of partnership and trust between the members of the community and Police were discussed.
Hicken along with Police Commander of 4B, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Siwnarine, the second-in-charge, Superintendent Alastair Roberts, the officer-in-charge of Providence Police Station, Kevin London and several junior ranks also visited Herstelling, East Bank Demerara for a similar exercise.
The team had engaging interaction with the residents who freely voiced their concerns and problems they were enduring, and were in turn promised that actions will be taken.
Over the last few weeks, Hicken and the Regional Commander have embarked on an aggressive approach to re-engage communities within the region.