GUN AMNESTY NEARING ITS END

Oct 01, 2015 Editorial

As the countdown to the gun amnesty programme begins, public alarm has heightened across the country. The murder rate for January to August has shocking figures, rising beyond what operated last year. The escalation in murders and armed robberies appeared, inexplicably, to coincide with the election campaign.
The amnesty programme which began on September 1, 2015, has been seen as a major success so far in than more than 60 guns including one AK-47 and almost 2000 rounds of ammunition have been turned in by illegal gun owners. The amnesty is a positive beginning. In fact, so successful has it been that it has been extended. The new deadline is October 14.
There is no magic wand available to the Granger/Nagamootoo government to end the criminal activity. It would seem futile if the new administration’s only solution to crime and violence is the amnesty programme. Expectations have been high and grew even more when the APNU+AFC government announced searches for solutions to end the spike in murders, armed robberies and rapes. These were occurring randomly around the country.
Based on police statistics, the number of murders for the year has surpassed 100, an increase of almost 12 percent. Although most of the perpetrators have been caught, the few who are not, continue to terrorize the population.
There has been a 65 percent increase in reported rape cases from January to August as compared to the same period last year. The reality is that crime and violence are perpetuated by a minority group of people. The criminal acts of that minority who operate outside the parameters of the law have impacted society so much that the majority is left in a state of concern and fear.
It is this state of concern and fear that the government must address. Too often it paralyzes the people, many of whom take cover in the safe havens of their homes fitted with metal bars on the doors and windows. They remain silent for fear that if they speak out, such violence would be perpetrated against them.
Basically, they are held to ransom. As Ministers of the new government are still finding their way around their relevant portfolios, 55 murders have bloodied the country since their ascension to office.
As the twin evils of crime and violence continue to plague and consume the people, the government is struggling to identify the causes and find the solutions. The rise in crime over the years has resulted from a number of factors; no single reason can be blamed; so the government must explore all possibilities to correct it.
The drug situation spawned crime; loose morals did not help and the disappearance of the father figure compounded the situation.
From time immemorial, crime and violence have existed in Guyana. The government needs to find adequate solutions to solve crime with a view to making a difference in society. Given the present upsurge in murders, armed robberies and rapes, such time is not unlimited.
Sadly, crime and violence have affected the majority in society, and they have caused a paralysis and an anxiety that permeate the entire psyche of the country. The nation cannot go on living in fear forever and unless the government finds solutions to end this scourge on society, the people will not be forgiving.
Effective justice and punishment have been part of the solution, but those put forth by the previous administration did not make one iota of difference. In fact, they have made matters worse. Guyana is like a ship – all on board are ultimately affected by what happens on the ship.
If a culture of positive, moral and lawful behavior permeated the ship, then all on board benefit; but if crime and violence take root, then all suffer the consequences.

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