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A MENACE TO SOCIETY

Sep 11, 2016 Editorial

Crime, especially murder and armed robbery, is probably the worst problem that Guyana faces today. It is quite simply a menace to society.
Every day, people are robbed or sometimes killed by criminals. Crime is like the mosquito, a pest that seems not to be going away. No matter how many criminals are incarcerated, crime continues to prosper and grow.
Crime has become a highly contagious disease that has been plaguing the country. It has affected too many of our communities. It will continue to spread if it is not contained.
This has been happening primarily due to poor policy choices and failed anti-crime strategies. It is threatening the nation’s peace. It has become an epidemic and there are no easy solutions. Some have suggested that the way cure for crime is to examine past crimes to know the causes and treat them at the source. Others have affirmed that regardless of what is done, nothing will stop crime.
Once a virus gains access into a cell, it will ultimately replicate itself. Similarly, criminals emulate others before them, until they themselves are caught, incarcerated or killed; but by that time, they have destroyed many lives.
The extent of the situation saw the government respond with a 2 a.m. closing of all bars and night clubs and implementing a gun amnesty programme. These initiatives may have had some effect on crime at the time, but was certainly not enough to reduce it in the long term.
Crime continues to persist and has grown to the point where it is being regarded by some as normal.
Studies show that high levels of unemployment and poverty are perhaps the main causes of crime. However, many have held the view that the majority of criminals are driven by greed and “get rich quick” schemes rather than a will to survive like the rest of us in society. The fact that gangs take pleasure in extorting people of means is frightening.
The result of these criminal activities is an inherent lack of respect for life, a failure to acknowledge the value of the greatest gift to mankind, and an acceptance that no human being has the right to deprive another of that precious gift. The general acceptance of the sanctity of life and getting people to resolve conflict without violence should be the starting point to solving crime.
At the same time, efforts should be made to reduce the high rate of joblessness, while updating the police apparatus to the stage where apprehension and punishment weigh heavily on the minds of those who harbour even the slightest thought of engaging in criminal activity.
Such change will not occur overnight, it will take time. However, for such change to take place, it is extremely important that all law-abiding citizens commit themselves to help law enforcement fight crime.
Indeed, it should be the responsibility of all to ensure that those who are bent on criminal behavior are not allowed to enjoy the same freedoms as those who have respect for law and order. The job of reducing crime requires action from the citizenry and every agency of the State. The future of the country depends on the commitment of the people.
The daily reports of murders, armed robberies, and other heinous crimes mean there can be no relaxation in the drive to arrest and lock away the criminals. Everyone must do their part to put an end to this menace on society.
All right-thinking Guyanese should recognize that the police cannot combat crime on their own. The police need as much help they can get from the public. Unfortunately, large portions of the population have not yet fully absorbed that message. For that reason, initiatives such as Community Policing should be given as much support as possible by those in authority.

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