Increased police presence at city markets to enhance public safety

Steps are being taken by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to increase its presence in the city’s
markets, collaborating with the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) as part of its ‘safer markets
initiative.’
It was disclosed that this move forms part of government’s promises of ensuring less crime and
safer communities. Further, the move comes on the heels of a meeting on Tuesday between
Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’ (ag) Clifton Hicken, Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration’
(ag) Calvin Brutus, Mayor of Georgetown Pandit Ubraj Narine and other representatives from
the GPF and M&CC.
A release issued by the police, they noted that they conducted a walkabout in the Stabroek
Market on Wednesday to “map out strategies for collaboration and policing in and around the
public thoroughfares.” Police Commander of 4 A Division Assistant Commissioner Simon
McBean and M&CC’s Chief Constable (ag) Virjanand Gafur led the exercise.
“The GPF will immediately provide resources to the City Council to have visible police
presence in the areas and will continue further collaborative efforts to enhance public safety,” the
release was quoted as saying. It went on to note that Commander McBean will meet with the
M&CC team weekly, fortnightly and monthly to further discuss the challenges and
improvements that need to be implemented.
Further, Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’ (ag) Hicken stressed that the aim of the initiative is
to prevent crime taking place in the city markets. Additionally, Commissioner of Police (ag)
Nigel Hoppie at the opening of the Annual Police Officers Conference said in 2021, there was an
18.8 percent decrease in serious crimes. He said the reduction is testament to the significant work
that is ongoing by ranks of the police force. Additionally, he said from January 1, 2022 to March
8, 2022, there has been a 16 percent decrease in serious crimes compared to the same period in
2021.