The consultation was called to order by Bishop Juan Edghill, who outlined the intentions and the expectations of the series of consultations.

Presentations were made by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Paul Slowe and Commander Gary Best of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

Slowe outlined the role of the Police Force and the current strategies being used to maintain law and order and reduce crime in the country.

Objectives of the Force include the prevention and detection of crime, the preservation of law and order and peace, the repression of internal disturbances, the protection of property, the apprehension of offenders, the enforcement of laws, and other duties prescribed by the subject Minister.

Slowe also explained the functioning of the Police Complaints Authority and the Police Service Commission. He explained the Government's policies on the acquisition of firearms, community policing groups, which are being recognised, and the collaboration between the Guyana Police Force and the GDF.

Commander Best outlined the role of the Army in supporting the Police in the restoration of law and order. Principal roles of the GDF include the maintenance of the territorial integrity of Guyana, giving assistance to the civil powers in the maintenance of law and order and contributing to the economic development of the country.

Best used the opportunity to point out situations in which the GDF may intervene - for example when there is no Police rank present and it is evident that intervention is essential to prevent disorder; when Police are insufficient in numbers to deal with a specific situation; in self defence; in the defence of state and property of the Army; and in the maintenance of essential military lines of communication, roadways and telephone networks.

The Commander also explained the principles on the use of the GDF, which include justification, prevention, legal obligations, evidence, maintenance of confidence, protecting the lives of citizens and the Government's policy.

Those in attendance included retired Commissioner of Police, Laurie Lewis and current and ex-members of the Disciplined Services. Participants were asked to fill out questionnaires which sought to solicit ideas on the current crime situation and strategies being employed to combat the situation, as well as to find other ways of restoring the social equilibrium.

The committee was established following the National Consultation on Crime organised by the Office of the President on August 22 at the Ocean View Convention Centre.

It comprises members of political parties who were also present at the meeting, and representatives of civil society, including the private sector, the Trades Union Congress, religious organisations and the legal fraternity.

Public consultations will also be held on the East Coast Demerara, Georgetown, East Bank Demerara, Soesdyke, West Berbice, New Amsterdam, Rose Hall, Upper Corentyne, Anna Regina and Charity.

The committee is expected to hold 25 consultations within an 11-day time frame. Consultations commenced on Monday at the University of Guyana, but there was a poor turnout due to inadequate notice to the university's community.

Another consultation, which was scheduled for earlier Monday, had to be postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.

Consultations took place again yesterday at the Muslim Youth Organisation, Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana, the National Reading and Research Centre (Red House) and the National Library.

Groups being targeted today include religious organisations, the private sector and drivers of mini-buses and taxis.