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Are they different from the men with the guns?

Dec 23, 2015 Letters

Dear Editor,
The hideousness of crime is a constant reminder of the social ills which exist in our society and the level of crime currently being experienced speaks volume of our failure to address it adequately. I don’t proclaim to be a psychologist, sociologist or a criminologist. I am a citizen of Guyana and as a citizen I am deeply interested in its affairs.
Throughout the years, practices of law enforcers and our justice system have captured my attention. It is a cause for concern when Guyanese express dissatisfaction with the unfairness of our justice system. It is a cause for concern when perpetrators of criminal acts escape our justice system. It is a cause for concern when Guyanese believe they are above the law. It is a cause for concern when law enforcers are seen as corrupt. It is cause for concern when our law enforcement agencies exercise the preference to execute rather than apprehend the perpetrators of criminal acts.
No one is born a criminal. To solve and ultimately prevent crime, we need to examine the social, historical and economic contributing factors. In this regard, I place on the table the need to address the challenges facing boys and men.  I salute national and international efforts that empower women but is the same level of attention directed to boys and young men, especially the most vulnerable? Are resources being adequately applied to address the catalyst for undesirable behavior in our boys and young men, and to empower them to pursue more appropriate endeavors? Are we succeeding in reforming those who pursue undesirable behaviors? Or are we just satisfied with killing them and ridding the society of those deemed delinquent and undesirable?
The shootout a few days ago between the police and the young men in South Ruimveldt is a typical example of how the security forces respond having cornered a criminal. But in this way we do not only rid ourselves of the scourge, we murder knowledge and close the door to answers.  I read several posts on social media which praised the Guyana Police Force following that event and I could not help but wonder whether, we truly believe the answer lies in killing criminals in the street. I am more inclined to believe that the views expressed in support of the police action stem from the alarming and frightening rate of violent crime in this nation. Our safety is jeopardized, our lives are threatened. I came face to face with gun violence earlier this year and I am psychologically scarred from this encounter.
Let’s flip the coin and turn it on white collar criminals. Are they different from the men with guns? The recent audits conducted revealed millions of tax payer’s dollars missing or unaccounted for, yet, no perpetrator is being penalized. Is there a different justice system for the gun criminal and those who have been entrusted with the confidence of the public?
I stand with the nation against perpetrators who instigate and institute all criminal acts. But I also stand against the use of excessive force in the fight against crime. I urge law enforcement agencies to use sound judgment when tackling crime and I call on the relevant authorities to embrace a collaborative approach in this much needed fight.
Candace Veronique Sharples

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