Police assure Chamber over Christmas security
Stabroek News
November 18, 2002
The police force is assuring the business community of its preparedness to maintain law and order especially during the busy Christmas season.
The commitment was given at a meeting on Friday between senior police functionaries including acting Commissioner, Floyd McDonald, and members of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI).
According to a release from the force on Saturday, several measures implemented by the police for dealing with the upcoming Christmas season were outlined.
Among the measures highlighted by Commander 'A' Division, Assistant Commissioner, David L George, were the 24-hour foot and mobile patrols; their deployment in and around the city with specific emphasis in commercial districts.
George further indicated an intention to institute measures aimed at ensuring owners and operators of entertainment houses adhere to stipulated opening and closing hours.
Police it was also said will intensify traffic control activities especially in busy commercial zones.
The chamber, the release said, pledged its support for the police in their fight to contain crime.
McDonald used the forum to urge the businessmen to take steps to ensure that security arrangements at their business premises are so designed to reduce the opportunity for criminals to take advantage of the anticipated upsurge in business.
Measures, the commissioner said, should be reasonable and realistic for both business and private premises.
Members of the chamber used the meeting to express individual concerns which were duly addressed by the commissioner.
Some of their grouses include the prevalence of squibs at Christmas time, the issuing of firearm licences and petty theft in commercial districts.
The commissioner is said to have assured them that steps are being taken to address these concerns. He said that the force remained resolute in its commitments despite the setbacks suffered in recent times.
Participating in the meeting with the commissioner were Deputy Commissioner, Winston Felix DSM, Assistant Commissioners, Henry Greene DSM, and George DSM, Crime Chief Leon Trim and Assistant Superintendent, David Ramnarine, the force's Public Relations and Press Officer.
