The Guyana Police Force has on the occasion of its 169th anniversary, received the keys to ten additional motor vehicles which are to be added to its current fleet. Guyanese see this presentation of vehicles to the Police Force as a positive addition to the Force’s ‘armoury’ in its ongoing battle against crime.

Once too often, when people make serious complaints to police stations across the country which may have warranted arrests etc., most of the time they were told by police at the various stations that there are no vehicles and as a result “there is nothing we could do now”. In most cases complainants became fed up and disgusted which resulted in many crimes being perpetrated against people and the perpetrators simply going unpunished.

We appreciate the gesture by Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee in making the presentation to the Guyana Police Force, as many in our society see the presentation of the motor vehicles as the continuing strive by the government to put the brakes on crime and criminal activities in the country.

During the handing over ceremony, Minister Rohee said:

“The public, usually, has great expectations of the force and that is quite understandable. But for those expectations to be fulfilled, the requirements, the resources, the materials for that to happen must first be provided and it cannot be done at any one time, only in stages.”

We are aware that from time to time the force has been receiving motor cycles and motor vehicles to help carry out its duties, and at a time like this, when crime is on the increase, this latest show of interest in the Guyana Police Force and the people as a whole with the presentation of the ten motor vehicles, signals the government’s clear intention of going on collision course with criminals.

But while the people are happy over the beefing up of the fleet of the Police Force, they are however concerned about the care of the machines, pointing out that over the years, many police vehicles have been grounded because of pure negligence, misuse, poor handling and absence of proper maintenance

We hope that the necessary measures would be put in place for the proper care and handling of not only the ten new motor vehicles, but indeed all police vehicles.

Our policemen and women must appreciate the fact that the vehicles they use are important in the execution of their duties, and at all times proper care and attention must be paid to them.

We echo the sentiments expressed by Minister Rohee when he said the government is committed to providing the Police with the requisite resources to enable the performance of their lawful duties in a manner that is satisfactory of the force and the public.

The government is delivering the goods, it is now left on the Police Force to carry out its duties in a more dignified and professional manner so that it could further gain the confidence of the entire population.

????ue care and attention”, to all members of the force who are using motor vehicles and motor cycles.

Happy 169th birthday!