SAFETY TRUMPS PRIVACY

Mar 10, 2017 Editorial, Features / Columnists

There are many in Guyana who believe that they are living in a failed state. Others are convinced that Guyana is not a failed State. Some in the Diaspora feel that it is very painful to hear that their beloved country is a failed state and that nothing seems to be working right. Poor services and the lawless activity that is ravaging the country do not make Guyana a failed state. But there can be no more excuses, the authorities must get things right or else Guyana could become a failed state.
By definition, a failed state is one that has disintegrated to a point where basic conditions and responsibilities of a government no longer function properly.
That said, some of the characteristics of a failed state include the loss of control of its territory, monopoly on the legitimate use of physical force, erosion of legitimate authority to make collective decisions, inability to provide public services, administer the finances of the country and to interact with other states as a full member of the international community. This could lead to widespread corruption and criminality and a sharp decline in the economy.
The reason why some Guyanese have labelled Guyana a failed state is because they have not seen much improvement since the country gained its independence 50 years ago. They believe that both political parties have taken turns to mismanage the country and its economy by mostly selling out the state’s assets to foreign interests for a pittance, while using the country’s massive resources to enrich themselves, relatives and friends.
Today, there are still long lines to obtain services everywhere, including the public hospitals. Unemployment is high, crime and corruption are rampant, power outages are frequent and water shortage is prevalent, especially in the rural areas of the country. The roads are in atrocious condition and improvement in social services is at a standstill. The disrespect for life by criminals has reached a level which defies all reasoning.
There is an unbelievable lack of conscience among some public officials who seem to be unaware of the problems. Either they are highly dysfunctional, uncaring or are living in a different world. The government must lead the way in reducing crime. No country can develop and prosper without safety. And by all indications Guyana is definitely not safe. For example, last year, there were over 100 murders and there is no let-up in crime. Criminal gangs are robbing and terrorizing people on a daily basis and there is no end to this lawlessness.
One of the worst things the opposition could do is to politicize the issue of crime to score political points. Instead, they should join with the government and try to solve crime rather than to say that the country was safer under the PPP administration. Who are they kidding? Guyana recorded its highest crime rate under the last administration to the extent that some members of the Guyanese Diaspora were scared to return home on any occasion. And there were hundreds of extra-judicial murders.
In all fairness, the present government inherited the crime situation from the last government and therefore it should not be blamed exclusively for it. However, the government must act swiftly to solve crime or else, it will be seen as a failure like its predecessor. Many in society seem to believe that Guyana is a paradise for criminals and that crime actually pays.
We hope that all stakeholders, including the Church, the business community, the opposition and the people will join with the government to curtail crime which continues to plague the nation. It is said that safety trumps privacy.