Govt must do more to protect its citizens

Aug 01, 2008 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
Why are there so many unsolved crimes in Guyana, especially high profile murders? Something is definitely wrong with the Guyana Police Force.

We have the Monica Reece case, Kalamadeen, the Bartica slayings, Lusignan massacre, Lindo Creek massacre, Gagnabbi (from Nabbi and Sons), Ronald Waddell, Sash Sawh, etc.

If the government thinks that the police cannot solve serious crimes, call in Scotland Yard or the RCMP as Jamaica and Trinidad did.

I have a feeling that there are some elements in the police force, who are in cahoots with the criminals.

When my place in Guyana was attacked by armed gunmen, I told the police who was behind the crime but yet the police did not arrest this individual.

Detailed statements and letters were furnished to the CID section of Alberttown Police Station and this criminal is still on the loose.

All the police did was call this criminal in for a few questions and they let him go. Whilst at the station the criminal was threatening my life and I told the Inspector that by letter. I even received an e-mail recently from this criminal threatening me.

People are afraid to report criminals to the police because they do not trust the police, and this is a reason why serious crimes cannot be solved.

I am no coward and I named the individual who masterminded the robbery and attack on my premises in Guyana with strong evidence linking this individual to the crime and yet this individual cannot be arrested and placed to face the court.

The police have his address and telephone numbers and they called him to update him with information that I provided them about him.

This was no ordinary robbery as no bandit would steal paper files, memory sticks, newspaper clippings and gave me back my passport with US Visa and all my credit cards, etc.

I hope the Commissioner of Police, the Home Affairs Minister and the President would read this letter and take some action against this individual who caused me to flee Guyana recently.

If the government cannot protect its citizens and offer security to its citizens, I see nothing wrong with citizens arming themselves to protect their own lives and their assets. People must not be left at the mercy of these blood thirsty criminals.

Who in their right mind would want to return to Guyana knowing they would not be safe? No wonder people want to leave Guyana by any means necessary because of the crime situation and no justice is available to the victims.
Balwant Persaud