By Calvin Marshall
Guyana Chronicle
June 9, 2001
SIXTEEN Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and the three municipalities in Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) are to be more involved in the stepped-up anti-crime campaign being drawn up for the region, sources said yesterday.
The plan was worked on when President Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday afternoon met the 16 NDC Chairmen along with the Mayors of Corentyne, Mr. Roy Bajnauth, Rose Hall Town, Mr. Deonarine Janki and Deputy Major of New Amsterdam, Mr. Claude Henry.
The meeting was held at the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) Training Building at Albion.
A source said measures include employing more rural constables through the NDCs.
The recruits are to be given special training through the regular Police Training Scheme while their pay is likely to come from the budget of the respective NDCs, sources said.
Following this session, President Jagdeo was expected to hold another briefing with the broad-based committee selected Wednesday with direct responsibility to him on matters of interest to their various communities.
That body was put together on the instruction of the President as one of a number of anti-crime initiatives.
One of the five vehicles Mr. Jagdeo had promised for Berbice to be used in crime-fighting exercises was handed over yesterday.
The others will be provided later.
The President is in the region this weekend on a follow-up visit to also meet residents in the different villages and towns.
On Wednesday, he addressed thousands of Berbicians following earlier anti-crime protests at Albion during which one person died and three others were injured.
Crowds Monday attempted to burn down the Albion Police Station and a magistrate's car was burnt during the protests.
Protesters had demanded firmer Police action against criminals in the region.
The demonstrations ended after the President's meeting Wednesday at Albion and volunteers Thursday began repainting and repairing the Albion Police Station.
Home Affairs Minister, Mr. Ronald Gajraj and other top government and regional officials are with the President on the visit.