Children from youth groups within ‘A’ Division benefitted from the Annual Career Fair on Saturday at the Police Sports Club, Eve Leary.
This annual initiative is part of the plan by the Guyana Police Force to reduce youth crimes.
Branches and Departments such as Central Immigration and Passport Office, Felix Austin Police Training College, Traffic Headquarters, Cyber Crime Unit, Narcotics, Crime Lab and the Fire Service among others had booths on display.
Eager young enthusiasts were seen exploring booth after booth, some professionally dressed as law enforcement officers, lawyers, pilots, doctors, teachers and farmers.
Commander of ‘A’ Division, Marlon Chapman said as adults they have an obligation to empower youths and it is important that the youths receive vital information on potential career paths so they can become fruitful members of society.
The Commander commended the senior and junior ranks of the Division in ensuring the success of the career fair every year.
“I wish to urge you [participating youths] that during your interaction with the exhibitors to ask questions, so that when you leave here today you are armed with all the information you require to follow a specific path,” Commander Chapman said.
Paul Williams, Deputy Commissioner Administration said the Police Force started its youth group initiative with only 5 or 6 youths from Tiger Bay area years ago.
The visible progress since then has grown in numbers and according to Williams, it has reduced acts of crime within the young population.
“The Guyana Police Force embarked upon the engagement with youths and especially those who are vulnerable and those who we wanted to make an impact and also to reduce the aspect from them inclined in the direction of crime…with that engagement we have a made the assessment and decided the target, Rosemary Lane also known as Tiger Bay,” the Deputy Commissioner said.
The youth groups have since widened on a countrywide basis.
Williams said the career fair and youth group programme is a step towards creating a better future for the young population.
“….Where they are born does not create a permanent disposition for what is there for them in the future,” Williams said.
“For some of those who are on the line of waiting to depart school and for those who are already out of school and looking for jobs, you are the future of tomorrow and continue to remain resolute and focus because Guyana needs you,” the Deputy Commissioner said.
The Georgetown City Constabulary were registering prospective applicants, while Deputy Chief Constable, Laurel Gittens said they are planning to implement a city constabulary band core for its 182nd anniversary in November this year. (Isanella Patoir)
