Adam right on crime; politicians must jointly address problem

Feb 07, 2014 Letters

Dear Editor,
People relate to Adam Harris’s frustration over the spike in crime – murders, robberies. No one can really feel safe from criminal elements in the society, particularly business persons, middle class and practically anyone with a little bit of wealth. One is at a loss for words to describe the criminal chaos that pervades society. Adam rightly bemoans the failure of the police to rein in the criminals. But as he said police must be paid a livable wage and be guaranteed an insurance for their family in going after the criminals who have no regards for life.
Tackling crime must be the number one priority of the Government. The culture and climate of crimes with so many deaths have far-reaching consequences. frightening away investment and business activities. People are scared to travel to Guyana. Investors will all shy away when they read the front page stories of killings. Our immediate concern should be to root out sources of crime. There are serious flaws in governance that need to be addressed in order to get to the bottom of criminality. Society must attempt to eliminate or minimise the root causes crime, we wouldn’t go far in curbing the crime rate.
Guyanese don’t need to engage in criminal activity – a murderous rampage to earn a living. Our country is blessed with resources — plenty of fertile land, fresh water, sunshine, minerals, human talent. Work and a living wage should be available to all.
It is a frightening development how easy it is for criminals (youths included) to have access to any type of weapon. Access to illegal firearms appears to be much too easy and worry-free and the authorities need to go after the peddlers of arms. The spate of murders make my blood curdle and to think that some of the perpetrators are youths suggesting how low our society has descended since we obtained independence less than fifty years ago. During our colonial era, such violent crimes were unthinkable because of the zero tolerance by the authority. The state’s response was swift and severe to any criminal violation, including corruption. The authorities need to confront and deal with this current deadly set of killings and the threat to society. We got to find a way to guide the youths away from a life of crime – education, skills training, jobs, etc. – with tough discipline in civic responsibilities and at an early age.
Tough actions against crime should have been taken years ago. Crime will not stop on its own. An activist approach is needed. The government can no longer behave like the proverbial ostrich that hides its head in the sand believing crime will decrease or not be placed on the front pages of the media if ignored. The politicians have to put aside their differences and come up with a workable plan that will calm the behavior of the criminals if not putting them away altogether. Acts of criminality should not be politicized. The victims are from all neighborhoods and of all ethnicity and political affiliation. No one is safe in our society. Crime transcends politics. Governance and being a politician involve integrity and honesty and a sense of duty to do the right things for the nation. Let all join hands devoid of party politics, to tackle ever growing crime in the land.
It is the interest of every politician and law abiding citizen to come together to address this intractable issue. People from all walks of life and political affiliation must face the reality and take steps to stem the violence.
It is noted that since some of the criminals are themselves police offices and many of the criminals are very violent with friends in the police force, the people cannot depend on the police to protect them. Then government should consider granting the people firearms to defend themselves from the criminals operating as police officers and bandits in general. Also, the government should encourage the people to establish community policing groups and arm a few of the members to protect their community.
Vishnu Bisram

Latest News

Adam right on crime; politicians must jointly address problem

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | November, 20th, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Wharton’s brilliance propels Chase’s Academic to another Republic...

Seales’ 4 for 5 gives West Indies control...

WARRIORS BOUNCE BACK AGAINST HAMPSHIRE

Victoria go top with second win

GFF and Namilco officially launch Maid Marian...

GFF celebrates the successful completion of...

Features/Columnists

The PPPC does not practice political inclusion

Haiti: Tragically Descending into Deeper Crisis

What’s going on with this $100,000 cash grant?

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]

Adam right on crime; politicians must jointly address problem

Share this:

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | November, 20th, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]