Reprinted from Caribbean Net News
caribbeannetnews.com

Attacks prompt increased patrols, aerial surveillance in Guyana
10-28-2006

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (GINA): A series of aerial surveillance have been conducted and will continue, as well as an increase in the number of police patrols, following attacks on residents of West Bank Demerara in Guyana on Tuesday.

This is according to Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, who on Thursday met family members who were beaten, robbed and terrorised, during the almost one-hour ordeal.

“The government is very concerned about incidents of this nature. I had a meeting with the Commissioner of Police today, and several immediate and long-term measures will be taken to address this situation,” Rohee said.

In a meeting with members of Community Policing Groups, the Minister urged more community involvement, noting that this is a vital factor in effectively tackling crime.

“Crime is much more likely to increase in areas where there are no Community Policing Groups, since these groups are the eyes and ears of the community, and are a source from which the police can garner intelligence,” he said.

In response to being told that they are no Neighbourhood Police officers in the area, the Minister said, “I am disappointed that there is not even one Neighbourhood Police in this area… those of you who are here need to spread the word to your brothers, sisters and neighbours, encouraging them to become more involved in fighting crime.”

The Neighbourhood Police is a new component of the Guyana Police Force, which employs persons from within the community, to provide support and assistance to the police. This concept is in keeping with the thrust to solicit more community involvement in preventing and fighting crime.

The Minister pointed out that the commitment of residents to protect themselves and their community should be the primary motivational factor for becoming a member of the Neighbourhood Police, or the Community Policing Group. This was in response to concerns raised by a resident regarding monetary compensation for Rural Constables, and Community Policing Group members.

Residents also expressed the need for a police station in the area, and more street lights, which they believe will reduce the possibility of such an attack recurring.

Fifty-six-year-old Kowsilla Mahadeo was shot during the attack at her residence, and is currently a patient in the Intensive Care Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Her husband, Jagoonauth Mahadeo, aged 60, was shot on his left arm and his son, 29-year-old Churman Mahadeo, along with several other persons from a neighbouring house were beaten by the gang.