Within the criminal act lies a deeper societal fact

Sep 06, 2017 Letters

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Dear Editor,
Sad to say but as a people we are no nearer to understanding the frivolous explanations that precipitate deadly disputes. We are no longer a verbal nation preferring instead to be a homicidal aberration. Why would two individuals who are known friends, and who would normally disagree and walk away from each other , lose control and kill especially if alcohol is factored in the equation. Most of the recent murders have occurred following drinking sessions, where mental control is diminished as alcohol flows to the cranial area.
I hold the firm belief that only the tip (if at all) of the iceberg has been touched regarding the nature of our crime problem. In politically correct terms, crime fighters, namely, the police are literally playing catch up. We are only able to Guy-analyze the reasons underlying the out- of -control crime rate, as we lack the resources seen in the developed world. In addition, very rarely are requests made or suggestions proffered from the Bench to have a psychoanalysis conducted on the perpetrators of certain crimes.
Therein lies a step towards the solution, as we have absolutely no measure of what triggers criminal activities. The criminal behavior speaks to a deeper societal problem and to curb its growth we must get closer to the community and try to influence that attitude that is inciting the behavior that is causing citizens to kill each other for the simplest of reasons. Then and only then, will we make progress towards a solution.
As a village we have failed each other, by failing to be a part of what the police are doing to deal with crime and violence in the communities. Permit me a time-out here, solely for the purpose of disregarding the influx of deprecatory remarks that would be voiced by the citizens regarding the police and their known and displayed public behaviour. Nevertheless, there are still some good cops in the shop and it is with these that we will work.
Some of us have a family member(s) or know firsthand of someone who is involved in criminal activities. When questioned as to our intentions regarding such a situation, customarily the answer is usually in the negative. Ironically, we then expect the police to know what is going on and come in and solve the crime. The silent majority has remained silent for too long, and is now being called upon to be a part of what is being done to fight crime and violence in Guyana.
Again I opine that desperately needed although it may not be heeded, are preemptive interventions with individuals who display a tendency towards criminality. There are expanding and intensifying patterns and behaviours that signify trouble, and while they do not predict with any degree of certainty that the individual would end up in jail, yet they should not be excused, ignored or dismissed. We must zoom in on certain behaviours and actions, such as lying that becomes a way of life, or relentless efforts to control other people so as to win in every situation, behavior indicative of a belief that any means justifies the end, an uncompromising attitude, a lack of acceptance to what others think, and shutting out fear instead of regarding it as a guide to responsible functioning.
We see one or more of these behaviours even in their primordial form, on display in our homes, in schools, among our family members, friends, our neighbourhood, our religious institutions and the list goes on. It is at this point that notice should be taken and intervention commenced. We must make and take the preparatory steps towards becoming agents of change.
Parents, community leaders and teachers must be educated to perceive expanding and increasing patterns of thinking and behavior that have been known to give rise to the formation of a criminal personality. Yes, they must be trained on how to manage troubling behavior that requires a totally different approach from that taken when raising and educating children who show that they are developing into honest responsible members of the human species.
At this juncture the Minister of Education is called upon to take another look at the teacher training program and implement approaches geared towards assisting teachers in reaching the afore-mentioned objectives. Currently, there are many who can effortlessly recall one or more of the negative qualities being present from an early stage in the behavior of individuals they know who are currently charged with criminal offences. Finally crime has reached the time where a turnaround is indicated. From the start everyone must be prepared to play their part, to stop the criminal right from the start. No more a blind eye can we lend if we want criminality to end.
Yvonne Sam

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