Agricola police outpost commissioned

Georgetown: Bringing to a total of nine police outposts/stations in “A” Division, the Agricola Police Outpost was formally opened Saturday.
Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee said that the relationship between communities and the police must be one exemplified by friendship, support and service.
Delivering the feature address at the commissioning of the outpost on the East Bank Demerara, he said the facility is recognition of the fact that the majority of Agricola residents support law and order, hence the now permanent police presence.
“Once communities are reaching out to the Guyana Police Force and the force is doing likewise, then the conditions are right for such a police presence,” he noted.
Giving a brief history of the outpost, the Minister said initially it was proposed that an empty nearby lot be used, but the owner couldn’t be located, and after consultations with senior police officers and community members, the decision was made to utilise the top floor of the Agricola post office. After an almost immediate, positive response from postal officials, approximately $1.7 million was spent to convert the top flat of the building. The community’s residents were urged to cooperate with ranks and vice versa.
Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell DSM, in brief remarks said the was an honour to be present at the occasion and thanked Minister Rohee for pushing ahead with the project, urging residents to work closely with the force to rid the area of criminal elements. He added that the outpost, which will be manned continuously, will close the gap between the Police Force and the public.
Ranks were also reminded of the need to always be alert, and use measures which were put in place, to react speedily to reports.
“A” Division Commander George Vyphuis said the outpost was in the making for a number of years but perhaps happened at the right time.
He thanked all of those who worked hard to ensure that the building was ready, and added that it serves to galvanise residents and boost collaboration to ensure the community becomes crime free.
He lauded the residents for reaching out to the force and cited the example of two young scouts who recently successfully completed their driving tests to become licenced drivers through a police initiative.