Commander Clifton Hicken interacting with Angoy’s Avenue residents
Commander of B Division, Senior Super-intendent Clifton Hicken is introducing an unorthodox approach to make the community of Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, safer.
Many distribution companies do not permit their trucks to take goods into that community for fear of being robbed. Hicken said residents of that community have been suffering, and as such, the police have been partnering with them to turn around the outlook of that area of New Amsterdam. The project will first focus on the youths who are most vulnerable.
The commander recently met with members of the community and noted that among the plans is a joint project between the police and the community to develop the community ground, so that youths will be able to channel their energies in the right direction.
Hicken said members of the community also took the opportunity to highlight some of the issues that affect them as it relates to security. “As from now on, I will have the community police in the area all the time. We will also have police on motorbikes to come in and check on them and I will ensure that the patrol make more checks in this area.”
Among some of the plans that the police have outlined is a village expo, which will allow residents to showcase some of their skills. The community ground, the commander said, will become one of the main recreational centres in the town.
The commander promised residents that the police will play an active role in all the developments in the community.
Hicken is also part of the committee that has been selected to assist in the transformation of Angoy’s Avenue.
“Change can take place, but it is all about cohesion.” The police will provide whatever resources it can to the project. According to the senior superintendent, the business community is also onboard.
Banks DIH said the initiative is a good one and has pledged its full support to the project.
Several residents who were at the meeting, which was held in front of the community ground, expressed satisfaction with the plans. One community leader, Phillip Rose said the commander seems to be taking a hands-on approach to dealing with crime.
The commander told residents not to panic because of the increased police presence in the area. “I know that those who sell drugs in the area will be uncomfortable,” he said.