Key issues addressed by Police during Essequibo Coast community outreaches

Residents of the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) engaged with local law enforcement in two community outreach events in early January and February 2025, where critical issues were addressed, and concerns from the public were raised and resolved.
The first outreach, held on Monday, took place at Johanna Cecilia village, where officers from the Suddie Police Anti-Crime patrol engaged with the community between 12:45 and 13:55hs. The session focused on several pressing topics affecting the residents. A major area of concern was the use of illegal substances, including drugs and alcohol, with officers emphasising the negative effects on both individuals and the community. The officers also spoke at length about the issue of school dropouts, encouraging parents to ensure their children remained in school, as education is a vital tool for reducing crime and promoting social mobility.
Child abuse was another topic addressed, with the officers stressing the importance of early detection and reporting to protect vulnerable children. This led into a discussion about domestic violence, with law enforcement offering advice on how to handle such sensitive matters and providing resources for those affected. The police also took the opportunity to encourage the public to utilise the Zara Computer Centres in nearby Charity and Suddie, which offer free access to technology and skills training.
Security concerns were also raised, with officers reminding residents to report criminal activity promptly, providing direct contact numbers for ease of communication. The discussion further focused on the importance of building a trusting relationship with the police, ensuring that the community feels comfortable reporting crimes and seeking help when necessary.
An issue frequently raised by residents was the disturbance caused by loud music systems in the area, which the officers addressed, highlighting the potential for noise pollution and the need for respect within the community. Additionally, the processing of passport services at the regional headquarters was explained to make the process more accessible for the public. Recruitment for new police officers was also discussed, as was the increased police patrols to ensure the safety of residents in the area.
In response to these issues, several concerns were raised by the residents, which were addressed by the officers present. The community expressed its gratitude for the visit and the open dialogue with law enforcement, appreciating the effort to make their voices heard.
On Sunday, a similar, outreach took place at the Onderneeming Sand Pit area, led by Regional Police Divisional Commander No.2, Superintendent K. Shivbaran.
One of the central topics was the formation of Community Policing Groups (CPGs), which aim to strengthen the bond between the police and the community. The residents were encouraged to participate in the formation of these groups, which will work toward preventing crime and improving neighborhood safety. In line with law enforcement’s commitment to enhancing public safety, the community was also informed about the new fine for noise nuisance, which includes fines for noise from exhaust motorcycles and loud music systems.
As with the previous session, the Zara Computer Centres were highlighted, with residents encouraged to take advantage of the free access available to improve their computer skills and gain certifications. In addition, the importance of being security conscious and reporting suspicious activities was underscored, as community vigilance plays a critical role in crime prevention.
Parents in the area were informed about the benefits of youth groups and scouting, which not only provide young people with valuable life skills but also help prevent them from engaging in criminal activities. The ongoing patrols by the police in the community were also discussed, as well as the importance of maintaining a strong partnership between law enforcement and residents. This partnership ensures that everyone in the community works together to create a safer environment.
Several questions from the community were raised during the session, and Commander Shivbaran and his team responded to them in detail, ensuring that all concerns were addressed. The residents expressed their appreciation for the initiative and indicated a strong desire for more of these outreach events, looking forward to the continued support and cooperation between the police and the community.