The Tribune

THE NATIONAL Neighbourhood Watch Council Day will take place February 23, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean said yesterday.

Senior ACP Dean announced the event during a press conference at police headquarters, where National Security Minister Marvin Dames was also present.

Dubbed a “Parade, Pep Rally, and Fun Day”, the event will begin 1pm Saturday, starting from Christie Park and leading to Arawak Cay. Over 70 neighbourhood groups from New Providence are expected to participate in the highly anticipated event.

“This Neighbourhood Watch Council is one of the greatest initiatives we have taken on when we’re talking about crime prevention, when we’re talking about community development,” Senior ACP Dean said yesterday. “I can tell you we have hundreds of…residents who are saying, ‘enough is enough’. They’ve reached that crossroad and they’re going to do something for their community. They’re not going to allow the criminal elements to be the superstars in the community.”

Mr Dames also underscored the importance of neighbourhood watch committees in the fight against crime. “We are not just meeting with communities and having just loose conversations,” he said, adding these committees are playing “active roles” in crime prevention.

“We have had some cases where persons would have really contributed in curbing or thwarting criminal activities. And this is positive. We are moving in the right direction.”

The national security minister said hundreds of community members are expected at Saturday’s celebratory march, where there will be a “significant amount of events”. He also said a booth will be set up to assist neighbourhoods set up their own watch committees.