With an increasing demand for the use of the green spaces of the National Park, steps have been taken to mitigate and reduce the challenges of maintaining order and compliance by users with a view of enhancing security.
This development represents a strategic collaboration between the National Parks Commission (NPC) and the Department of the Environment, through the Protected Areas Commission (PAC), which has translated to a number of initiatives being undertaken, aimed at enhancing the facilities at the National Park so that citizens can safely utilise same for recreation in safety.
As it relates to the security measures, the PAC has restructured its Security Department and has been working on various upgrades to ensure that there is basic compliance with the rules and policies governing the use of the Park. These upgrades were first implemented in 2017.
In 2018, the Commission hired a Security Manager and a Deputy Security Manager, who have both been undergoing continuous training to ensure optimum security. Security personnel have also been issued with handheld radios, and a bicycle patrol system has been implemented along with other measures, such as the installation of additional security cameras which provide off-site monitoring; enforcing rules which prohibit persons from storing their personal property on the premise; and removal of personal property left at various parts of the premises.
Added to this, some posts such as the Eastern Car Park are now patrol bases where the guards are expected to be on the move to overlook parked vehicles. Also, as part of the Park’s safety precautions, traffic is usually channelled away from walkers/joggers and other pedestrians to reduce risk of injury.
Created under the Protected Areas Act 201, the PAC oversees the management, maintenance, promotion and expansion of the National Protected Areas System. The PAC has been working with the NPC since the end of 2012 to enhance the facilities there which are heavily utilised by Georgetown residents. The Commission has also through the Three Parks Initiative focused on enhancing the facilities and services provided by the three main urban parks in Georgetown.
