The AFC condemns violence in all its forms

Jan 05, 2014 AFC Column, Features / Columnists

By Khemraj Ramjattan

Over the last several years, the Alliance For Change has recognized and publicly condemned in the strongest possible terms and through several press releases, press conferences and discussions, that there has been a marked increase in violent and organised crime which is multi-faceted, but which is visibly related to the country’s longstanding divisions.

Khemraj Ramjattan

Today the Alliance For Change grieves with all Guyanese. We are all affected and will all be consumed unless immediate control of the ineffective security systems that currently exist in Guyana are overhauled.
The increase in violence has affected Guyanese of all races and socio-economic backgrounds. As brutal murders, robberies, narco-trafficking with its attendant executions, home invasions and other serious crimes continue with virtual impunity, rape, sexual assault and the brutalization of women and children have become and continue to be a central element. It is clear, too, that in the past years the Government has failed to take control of this epidemic and inaction continues to be the activity of the day.
Prior to the elections of 2011, the AFC condemned violence in all its forms and stated that it is prepared to be part of a national response on crime but felt that a response that is perceived to be a “government” response or an “opposition” response, or one that does not include civil society in a meaningful way, would be ineffective.
We once again call on all political parties to publicly endorse a zero-tolerance policy on violence and crime regardless of the perpetrator and regardless of the nature and extent of the crime.
At that time the AFC offered the following as important considerations in its Action Plan on Crime and Security for Guyana. Today it is interesting to note how relevant those recommendations still are.
THE AFC ACTION PLAN ON CRIME AND SECURITY (FIRST PUBLISHED IN 2006)
“The Alliance For Change believes that we have sufficient ranks within the police force for our population size however we recognize that almost half of our police force are involved in administrative and other duties that should be contracted out to independent agencies through a series of transparent bidding processes or transferred to other Government Agencies freeing police officers to fight crime.
We propose an increase in salary for police and military by 50% over a period of three years starting with 20% in year 1 (2006) and 30% by July, 2009.
We support the development of an amnesty programme for the surrender of illegal weapons which will be backed by “buy-back” and similar schemes, and the introduction of draconian legislation denying bail to persons found in possession of illegal firearms, and increasing the term of imprisonment from one (1) to three (3) years mandatory upon conviction. Licensing procedures will be responsible, transparent and open.
The Amnesty programme will be accompanied by a special fund to provide alternative supported opportunities for training, development of income generating projects, credit etc. for youth at risk and sports, scouting, and other cadet-like schemes for youth in schools and churches.
Appointment of a Special Crime Unit (SCU) comprising GDF and GPF personnel to be headed by a GDF officer on secondment and based in Camp Ayanganna.
Appointment of a Drug Enforcement Chief to coordinate and execute drug enforcement policy and programme only, and to implement in tandem with the assistance of the DEA and other supporting security forces.
Furnish police with the tools to fight crime including weapons, mobile communications, transportation, a forensic laboratory, Fingerprint/criminal behavioural database, weaponry, and other necessary material.
Seek international support for police and law enforcement in investigating homicides, narco-trafficking, human-trafficking, gun smuggling, and other serious crimes. International agencies will provide technical assistance and training in 21st-century crime-fighting techniques including intelligence gathering, and prosecution, and training to deal with victims of crimes involving violence against women and children.
Introduce legislation to legitimise and regulate Community Policing and the formation of Citizens Protection Units (CPUs) in keeping with best practices in the USA and Europe.
Appoint Special Prosecutors and Magistrates for selected categories of offences.
Complete the implementation of recommendations of the Disciplined Forces Commission, Symonds Group Report, and CARICOM Task Force on Crime & Security Report.
Construct a modern prison within three (3) years and also new, appropriate and humane facilities for women and children, and a re-designate the Camp Street jail as a remand centre.
The AFC recognizes that improved community/police relations will be critical to the success any crime strategy. Even a well equipped and disciplined police force will not be able to function effectively without the full cooperation of the general public. To this end, we will embark on a public awareness program to educate the public as to their responsibilities to society and inform them as to the penalties if laws are transgressed.”
At this the beginning of 2014, the AFC believes that the nation is owed an update and explanation on the investigations into the several violent murders that have plagued our society since 2000. Justice delayed is justice denied.
Once again the leadership and members of the AFC state that this is a time for Healing and Reconciliation – the mantra of our party. We continue to be deeply concerned about the level of violence, unwarranted loss of life and acts of criminality that have been stalking our dear land of Guyana.
The AFC mourns every life lost and shares the pain of those who have suffered, particularly where those acts have been motivated by race, ethnicity, religion, gender or political persuasion. We feel strongly that for Guyana to emerge from this darkness we must first acknowledge that we have all contributed in some way to the present situation in our country; either by our actions or our failure to act, either by our words or by our failure to speak out.
Change for this nation starts with each one of us, when we acknowledge our human failures and agree that we ought to forgive ourselves and each other and offer one another love and respect regardless of colour, class, creed, political persuasion or gender.