Work closer with GPF to mitigate crime – Top Cop tells Vryheid’s Lust residents

Strong relationships of mutual trust between the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the communities they serve are critical to maintaining public safety and effective policing.
Police Commissioner (ag) Clifton Hicken, during his visit to the community of Vryheid’s Lust on the East Coast of Demerara, called for collaborative work between the community and the Police Force to mitigate crime.
Since Hicken’s appointment as COP (ag) in March of this year, the Police Force has been putting in more effort, not only to foster a relationship with residents in various communities, but to reduce the crime rate in Guyana.

The last general update from the Guyana Police Force on crime statistics in the country was made in March of this year, when former Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie announced that there had been a 16 per cent decline in serious crimes when compared to the corresponding period last year.
On Sunday, during his brief remarks, Hicken told Vryheid’s Lust residents that his focus for the area is to inspire the youths in a positive way. “…in an effort for them to achieve their full potential within an environment that is conducive”, he said. This posture, he said, would create a foundation for future leaders of tomorrow.
The Commissioner also informed the residents that the issue of youth engagement and empowerment would be bolstered by the Community Relations Foundation which would come on stream shortly.
He then urged the residents to be catalysts for change, to provide and equip the youths with the right role models they can emulate, and to set moral examples for them to follow.
He said the partnership with the Police and other stakeholders is necessary.

Scholarships for youths
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner, Administration (ag), Calvin Brutus, who was also present at the meet-up, noted that a number of Memorandums of Understanding and Memorandums of Agreement have been undertaken with reputable organisations, and those will – through collaboration with the Guyana Police Force – offer opportunities and scholarships for youths.
He also alluded to the recently established Community Relations Department that is dedicated solely to engaging and building relationships within communities.
Brutus added that the Community Relations Foundation would soon be functional, in a matter of two weeks. This Foundation, he noted, would be multi-faceted, and provide support not only to youths, but would also cater to single parents and school dropouts. (G9)