Latest update December 11th, 2024 1:33 AM

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

Latest News

CRIME CHIEF STATEMENT IS MIND BOGGLING

Nov 26, 2015 Editorial, Features / Columnists

Two days after the Police announced that crime in Guyana is on the decrease and that plans are in place for a safe Christmas season, armed bandits invaded the home of the former Crime Chief and robbed him and his family. The ordeal which lasted a few minutes not only traumatized his children, but added to the perception that criminals are operating with impunity in the country.
If the criminals could be so bold as to rob a senior Police Officer, then what would they do to the ordinary citizen? Many believe that the crime statistics are being manipulated by the police to make it appear that crime is not as bad as is being reported in the media.
The Crime Chief is so far removed from reality that upon hearing his comments, the criminals were probably rolling on the floor with laughter?
The statement by the Crime Chief is mind-boggling, especially in the face of the mountain of evidence that contradicts his words.  What was the foundation of his belief when the people are exposed to violence almost every-day? Surely the Crime Chief is misguided, especially if one were to judge him not just on this statement, but on his string of public gaffes since achieving office.
The Government, especially the Minister of Public Security, should act now to reduce crime or they too will be seen as being incompetent.
Many have contradicted the Crime Chief whose misguided intent was to send a strong message to calm a jittery public that crime is under control. It appears as though the government remains as clueless about the upsurge in crime as it does of its origins and its appeal to and influence on youths. It has not established a plan to deal with crime or to counter the influence on youths. Until it does, society will continue to lose its young sons to what is essentially a criminal life.
The Minister, like his predecessor, continues to address the situation in vague clichés as if it is not of deep concern to all and to the extent that crime is not a threat to society.
In Guyana, there isn’t anything that has so chilled the spirit and depressed the psyche of the people as violent crime. Guyanese all across the country have been affected by the criminal acts of evil, vicious and mindless men. The danger is that the people have become so inured to the atrocious acts of the criminals, that they have accepted as a given that people will be robbed and beaten.
The government and the Police have to make up their minds to deal with crime. It is lamentable that crime has increased substantially under the Minister of Public Security who had criticized the former Minister of Home Affairs for allowing the criminals to act with impunity.
Many, including the religious fraternity, posit that there are too many guns on the streets. The over-militarization of the criminals is what is responsible for the high level of violence in the society, not only because police guns inevitably end up in the hands of criminals, but also because the criminals use their connections to obtain more sophisticated weaponry than the police.
A de-escalation of violence in society is needed. There is irrefutable evidence that violence begets violence and the bravado espoused by the criminals has only provoked a greater reaction from the lawless.
Crime must be confronted by all not as members of opposing political parties, but as one people against the criminals. Efforts must be explored to empower and organize communities to assist the security forces and to improve the penal and correctional system, so that more young men can return to society after incarceration as potentially useful citizens, rather than embittered and hardened criminals.
There must be accountability and transparency in governance in order to bolster confidence.

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | December, 2nd, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

 

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Government and GOA sponsors Guyana’s FIBA 3×3 team for AmeriCup in Puerto Rico

Government and GOA sponsors Guyana’s FIBA 3×3 team for...

Dec 11, 2024

-Team departs today Kaieteur Sports- Guyana’s basketball team departed today for San Juan, Puerto Rico, where they will compete in the Americas’ premier 3×3 basketball tournament, the...
Read More
King hits 82, Seales takes 4-22 as West Indies dominate Bangladesh in second ODI to secure series victory

King hits 82, Seales takes 4-22 as West Indies...

Dec 11, 2024

Should the West Indies cricket team play independently?

Should the West Indies cricket team play...

Dec 11, 2024

Fazim Abdool crowned best equipped senior lifter as 19 records shattered

Fazim Abdool crowned best equipped senior lifter...

Dec 11, 2024

Kevin Sinclair 81 not out spearheads Rose Hall Namilco Thunderbolt Flour into BCB/ Madray 20/20 semifinals  

Kevin Sinclair 81 not out spearheads Rose Hall...

Dec 11, 2024

Maggie’s Snackette joins growing list of sponsors

Maggie’s Snackette joins growing list of...

Dec 11, 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 […]