Mayor Smiley and Mayor Hopkins Announce the Donation of ATVs to the Dominican Republic
Collaboration between Providence, Cranston and the local nonprofit Lights and Sirens Donates 21 Vehicles to the Dominican Republic National Police
PROVIDENCE, RI –Mayor Brett P. Smiley joined today by Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins, Councilman John Goncalves, Cranston Chief of Police Colonel Michael J. Winquist, Director of International Affairs for the Dominican Republic Coronel Roberto Lerebours
and President of Lights & Sirens International, Ibn-Hashim Bakari to announce the donation of 16 ATVs and other off-road vehicles to the Dominican Republic. This collaborative initiative between Providence, Cranston and Lights & Sirens International will repurpose
ATVs and dirt bikes seized by the police departments from both cities and repurpose them for use by the Dominican Republic National Police.
“I am thrilled that we were able to partner with Cranston and Lights & Sirens International to find a positive, productive use for these vehicles that for too long were a danger to our neighbors,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “Through this partnership between our local and international law enforcement partners, we are enhancing the safety and quality of life for each of our communities.”
“Illegal ATVs and dirt bikes have not only been a nuisance but also a major public safety hazard in Providence,” said Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1). “This partnership, with the help of Lights & Sirens International, turns a negative into a positive. We are grateful for this partnership with the Dominican Republic National Police Department and their ability to utilize these vehicles to better serve the community there.”
One of the goals of this collaborative initiative is to highlight the importance of the partnership between public safety officials and the communities that they serve. Lights & Sirens International is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to reshaping the narrative and perception of public safety and community relations.
“I commend the women and men of the Providence Police Department for their ongoing commitment to removing off road vehicles from our streets, which create a significant threat to public safety throughout our neighborhoods,” said Colonel Oscar L. Perez, Jr. “I thank Mayor Smiley, the City of Cranston, the Cranston Police Department, the Dominican Republic National Police and Ibn Bakari of Lights & Sirens International for spearheading this initiative. We have the utmost gratitude for the work that they do within Providence and beyond.”
“The Cranston Police Department remains committed to safety on our roads and ensuring our residents can peacefully enjoy living in the city. Illegal operation of ATVs and dirt bikes is dangerous and disturbs the sanctity of our neighborhoods,” said Colonel Michael J. Winquist. “With the warmer weather upon us, our Officers will have zero tolerance for this activity. I am pleased that the vehicles we seized through the legal process will be put to good use by our law enforcement partners in the Dominican Republic.”
The seized vehicles will be secured onto a transport hauler today in preparation for delivery to the Dominican Republic. In total, Providence is donating four ATVs, twelve dirt bikes and Cranston is donating five ATVs.
“Empowering our global community through innovation and collaboration, Lights & Sirens International, alongside the City of Providence, Providence Police, City of Cranston and Cranston Police Department is honored to donate ATVs and dirt bikes to the Dominican Republic National Police, enhancing their capabilities in service and safety for all.” said Ibn- Hashim Bakari, President, Lights & Sirens International.
“We gratefully acknowledge the generous donation of ATVs and Dirt Bikes from Lights & Sirens International, in partnership with the City of Providence, Providence Police Department, City of Cranston, and Cranston Police Department,” said Cranston Chief of Police Major General Ramon Guzman Peralta. “This contribution will bolster our law enforcement efforts, enabling us to better serve and protect our communities.
Together, we are stronger.”
