Latest update November 24th, 2024 1:00 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

Government neglect has led to total breakdown in our society

Dec 16, 2008 Letters

Dear Editor,
Crime continues to permeate every sphere in our country. No group can claim innocence and no region immunity.

Some military-trained are executing illegal activities, and riding shot-gun for nefarious ‘employers.’ Professor Clive Thomas’ extensive analyses of our criminalised state and the role of narco money in its economy are ignored. The USA Country Report on Guyana, though an international embarrassment, is not a deterrent to the perpetrators.

Many cannot leave or do not want to leave. Those who stay have a right to a better life. The structures of state and the fabric of society are hijacked by rogue elements who are redefining ‘norms’, ‘values’ and ‘status’. Loved ones or neighbours are gunned down or injured. Absent breadwinners bring/increase poverty.

An overwhelmed criminal justice system leads to disenchantment and corruption. Vigilante justice replaces judicial justice. Investors and citizens flee. Hard-earned tax dollars are diverted to maintain overcrowded jails rather than be spent on development projects. Fears engulf communities, slowing or halting social and economic life as it were.

Crime is the result of many things – a broken justice system, marginalisation, unemployment, resistance, greed, underworld preference, poor checks and balances, and so forth.

Never in our history have we lived through such dangerous and deprived times…The Disciplined Service Commission Report submitted in 2003 gathers dust. President Jagdeo security meetings achieve nothing substantive.

Beyond increased weaponry and violations there are no analyses of causative factors, attempts to create/stimulate employment, enforce laws across the spectrum, implement technical/skills specific education, improve community police-relations: all critical elements to reducing crime.

As Commander-in-chief and Chief Public Servant, President Jagdeo cannot feign ignorance to the stated realities. It is his job to craft the country’s economic and security (protection) agenda.

Yet his administration continues to break the social contract with the citizenry. A government is expected to provide order, structure and, very importantly, protection. In return the government expects citizens to work, pay taxes and obey the law.

The population cannot fulfil their part of the social contract when jobs are being stifled, unjust policies are enforced, questionable economic practices are propped up/ignored, protection/security is discarded and lawlessness encouraged.

Something is amiss with a society that wantonly kills the elderly, children and working folks. Something is uncivilised about a government that violates the social contract with the citizenry and doesn’t care how people view their association – suspect or real – with illegality and the criminalised economy.

Something is wicked about a business sector engaging in price-gouging with no compassion for the working poor. Something is agonising when the voices of reason are becoming voiceless.
M. A. Bacchus

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | November, 20th, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

West Indies ride on Greaves’ 115 to exert dominance over Bangladesh

West Indies ride on Greaves’ 115 to exert dominance over...

Nov 24, 2024

ESPNcricinfo – A maiden Test century for Justin Greaves headlined a dominant day for West Indies against Bangladesh on day two of the Antigua Test. After his 115 helped West Indies post 450 for...
Read More
Marian, Potaro, Waramuri and St John the Baptist advance into the semis

Marian, Potaro, Waramuri and St John the Baptist...

Nov 24, 2024

Adams, Ghani smash hundreds in runs-filled ERC T10 Tapeball 

Adams, Ghani smash hundreds in runs-filled ERC...

Nov 24, 2024

RHTYSC honours top LCSS Student with Claudette Foster Memorial Award

RHTYSC honours top LCSS Student with Claudette...

Nov 24, 2024

IBA President congratulates Steve Ninvalle on his re-election as GBA head

IBA President congratulates Steve Ninvalle on his...

Nov 24, 2024

Fireworks expected in Mayoral Cycle Road Race in New Amsterdam today as Mayor expected to lead ride off

Fireworks expected in Mayoral Cycle Road Race in...

Nov 24, 2024

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]