Lawmaker pushes for police presence in Havana

Residents of Havana Extension 11 must travel about five kilometres across rivers and rough ground to reach the nearest police station, Body of Christ Party (BCP) lawmaker Thomas Festus told the National Assembly last week.

Festus called on the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security to introduce mobile police services and consider establishing a permanent police station in the area.

The distance and terrain make it harder for residents to get help, he said, particularly during emergencies at night.

He asked whether the ministry was aware of the challenges and why no mobile service or station had been provided.

“When last did the police patrol that area to protect the residents?” he asked.

Festus also wanted to know what measures were planned to ensure residents would not have to travel long distances to access services.

He proposed that land be acquired for a permanent police station, saying better access to policing was needed to protect residents and allow them to obtain routine services such as document certification.

Festus asked the ministry to outline its immediate plans for the area, including whether additional patrols, a mobile police unit or a permanent station could be introduced.

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