Parika Salem Sports Club donates 1,500 face masks to Police Force

The Guyana Police Force’s Regional Division Three was given a boost in the fight against COVID-19, compliments of 1,500 face masks from the Parika Salem Sports Club on Tuesday.

Making the donation for the Sports Club was the Public Relations Officer, Ryan Hercules, who explained that the gesture came due to the club wanting to build a better relationship with the force.

According to Hercules, “You tend to hear civilians mention like the Police is the bad guy and if they [Police] turn up to the ground, they [civilians] might be scared, but I used this initiative to have a relationship and they can use our ground and have interactions.”

Hercules, who is also Head Coach of the Guyana Police cricket team, explained this is just the start, and with the blessings of the Police Force, would be happy to further assist in strengthening the partnership.

Deputy Commander of Regional Division Three, Superintendent Boodnarine Persaud, accepted the masks on behalf of the division and said it will go a long way in safeguarding both the Police and members of the public.

Persaud further related as part of their strategic planning for 2021-25, they are seeking more partnerships and development and they are happy to have the support of civilians, especially those in sport since it caters to youths.

“When you look at community-oriented Policing, and looking back at some of the other countries that are investing in it, this is an initiative that they took up to show that instead of being reactive, let us shape them [youths], let us involve them. If we get them actively involved in meaningful actives, we could able to have them on our side and motivate them to live a better life away from crime,” the Deputy Commander contended.

Also present at the simple ceremony was Detective Assistant Superintendent, Troy Whittaker, who is in charge of crime in Region Three, and Inspector Eon Isaacs, in charge of Traffic in the region.