By Kisean Joseph
In a move aimed at enhancing community safety, a police outpost was officially opened yesterday in Golden Grove, marking a new chapter in community policing for the area.
The facility, which has its own police vehicle assigned to it and is equipped with modern technology, is a collaborative effort between government and law enforcement.
The initiative was largely funded by personal resources from Parliamentary representative for the area and Minister of Education Daryll Matthew, whose contribution included two laptop computers. To boost operations, the building will have dedicated communication lines to provide quicker response times.
The minister underscored the project’s significance.
“Crime has no colour, it has no creed, it has no age, and when persons are victims of a crime, it stays with them forever,” Matthew said and shared his family’s experience with violence.
“My father was shot 26 years ago so I understand what it feels like because they’re never the same after that,” he recounted.
Matthew further described the facility as creating “a safe space for all of our young people” due to its proximity to the Golden Grove Primary School, basketball court, football field, and steelband building.
The outpost will serve neighboring communities, including Nut Grove, Golden Grove Extension and Creekside. Commissioner of Police Atlee Rodney stated that the area’s expansion necessitated increased police presence.
“As youngsters, we know this place was simply Nut Grove and Golden Grove, with a few houses. Over the years, it has expanded tremendously,” Rodney said.
He assured that the force is committed to communal partnership. “We will foster a strong relationship with our community, thereby establishing a voluntary contract in our efforts to reduce crime.”
Minister of Public Safety Sir Steadroy Benjamin praised Matthew’s initiative while addressing recent security concerns in the area.
“Quite recently, there has been increase in crime in this vicinity. We’ve heard recently of gangs in the area as well,” Benjamin said.
He assured the community of the government’s commitment to providing necessary resources.
“The government undertakes therefore to ensure that once buildings like this are erected and once you get reports of a lack of vehicles and resources for the police force, we will address them.”
Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner of Police Samuel Joseph introduced the team of officers who will staff the outpost, noting that five of them will be stationed there and added that they were carefully selected because “they have a stake in ensuring safety in this community”.
The ceremony concluded with a dedication prayer from Reverend Jason Richard, who asked that “this place be a place where the people in these communities find protection” and “where the law is used in the right way to punish lawbreakers but is upheld in the very highest honor providing peace, safety, and law and order.”
About The Author
