This was promised at a meeting held at the Annandale Secondary School on Thursday, by Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Ronald Gajraj, Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Navin Chandarpal and Information Liaison to the President, Mr. Robert Persaud, according to the Government information Agency (GINA).

The meeting organised by the People's Progressive Party (PPP) saw a huge turnout of residents from Annandale and surrounding communities and served to highlight security problems they encounter and offered them the opportunity to suggest possible solutions, the agency said.

Since the infamous February 23, 2002 jailbreak, when five prisoners escaped from the Georgetown Prison, crime in the country has escalated, resulting in widespread fear, especially since Policemen have been targetted for criminal attacks.

The neighbouring village of Buxton has been a safe haven for criminal elements and several violent acts have been perpetrated in the area. Annandale, which lies on the periphery of Buxton, has been feeling the brunt of these criminal actions, the agency said

The Government has since implemented several measures which have had some successes, but other options are being sought, it noted. Communities have also been encouraged to band together to help combat the crime situation and protect residents and their families.

In addition, GINA said, several policing groups have been established and are functioning, but it was identified that there is need for more cooperation and support, from the residents and the law enforcement agencies.

Residents pointed out that there are about five community policing groups in the area, which have not been functioning effectively.

Gajraj, the agency added, pointed out that residents need to collaborate to be effective in dealing with the problems. He urged residents to support the actions of the Army and the Police Force.

The minister stated that people need to take a stand for what they believe in and protect themselves and their community and the only way to do that is through cooperation. He urged them to make the sacrifices necessary to accomplish this task such as going out to join others in keeping vigil.

He said training sessions could be organised for the Police to instruct residents in the proper use of firearms.

Chandarpal also emphasised the need for cooperation in the community for the groups to function properly.

GINA said he appealed to residents to treat the entire village as one and work with the common goal of making it safer.

He further assured residents that the Government shares the concerns of citizens countrywide and will continue to do whatever possible to support the efforts of the groups.

It is imperative for the lines of communication to be strengthened, he added.

In his address to the residents, Persaud expressed the hope that as a result of the meeting residents would realise the importance of working together to enable not only the creation of policing groups, but to ensure that they function properly.

He assured residents that the Government is willing to work with any community, which is willing to aid in the fight against crime.

GINA said speakers and residents agreed that there is need for cordial relations with law-biding Buxtonians.

The extremely interactive session provided residents with the opportunity to express their views and several suggestions were made and taken into consideration, the agency said.

A few residents felt that there is need for the establishment of a Police outpost in the area, which would facilitate a faster response time. They also asked that applications for firearms be speeded up so that they would have weapons to protect themselves, GINA reported.

It was pointed out that several businesses in the area now close their doors between 13:00 hrs and 15:00 hrs, when bandits normally attack shop owners.

Some residents feel that the community policing groups should be strengthened and given firearms to protect themselves and proper leadership should be in place for the groups.

GINA said it was explained that Community Policing Groups throughout the country have been provided with firearm licences.