By Calvin Marshall
Guyana Chronicle
June 11, 2001

PRESIDENT Bharrat Jadgeo yesterday ended a successful week-end visit to Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) with meetings in several communities and appearances on three television stations.

Crime prevention was the focus of discussions the Head of State had with hundreds of residents and community leaders.

In his live television broadcast on channels 19, 8 and 10, President Jagdeo took the opportunity to also update residents on a number of national issues and Government efforts in pushing economic development.

At a community meeting in Canje, Mr. Jagdeo advised an anti-crime group there to solicit a vehicle from the Guyana Sugar Corporation for patrols until one is provided by the State.

The group will also be issued with a firearm, which will be in possession of the Police and uplifted at nights.

At that stop over, the President said that an assessment would be done for a new Primary school at Canefield, another in Canje with construction possibly starting by mid-next year.

The undertaking was given in response to a question by a resident who told the Head of State of the difficulty some 200 children encountered going to another school one mile away.

Other problems raised were the lack of adequate telecommunication, drainage and irrigation and the slow process of Tender Board procedures, which frustrate the Neighbourhood Democratic Council's work programme.

Addressing another community gathering at the New Market Primary School at Number 63 Village, Corentyne, Mr. Jagdeo stressed the need for more persons to join the Police Force so the anti-crime initiatives can succeed.

He said the recruitment of conscripts is very low inhibiting adequate manning of many of Police outposts.

The President also reiterated his administration's plan to construct an airstrip at Albion to facilitate flights from Timehri and other Caribbean Community countries.

He also reminded listeners of the Government's $200M electrification programme for some rural districts in Berbice.

The President made three quarter-hour stops at the historic Port Mourant roadside market where he was warmly greeted by scores of enthusiastic vendors and shoppers.

Many persons also took the opportunity to raise personal issues with him, shook his hand, embraced him or just wished him well during his tenure in office.

During the interaction, well-known Muslim missionary Sheikh Haroon presented the Head of State with a book titled `The Existence of God'.

The President's visit followed an anti-crime protest last week at Albion. One person died when Police opened fire on the demonstrators who attempted to burn the Albion Police Station.

During the stand off with the lawmen, Principal Magistrate Krishendat Persaud was assaulted and his car valued at $1.2 million was destroyed after it was set alight.