Crime everywhere; we cannot go on like this

Dec 21, 2019 Editorial

There have been reports of what prevails immediately outside the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). No sooner than the ink on those reports had dried, there came news of the need for increased security inside the GPHC itself, because of what is going on inside there.
What is happening in there is that when sick, hurting, and helpless citizens turn up for the relief of some urgent professional medical attention, they encounter the unbelievable. During the hours approximately on either side of midnight, when people traffic is less, everyday watchfulness lower, and helping hands are scarcer, that is when patients are vulnerable, and given a relief of a different kind: of valuables, of any nerves remaining, and any remaining faith in this society.
The facts are: patients in the emergency area of the GPHC around midnight have some bodily affliction that cries out for help. But now in the confines of the largest public facility in this nation, they are being robbed. Where is safe in this monstrous society?
From earlier reports, once untouched areas, such as doctor’s offices are attacked; and so, too, are houses of worship, ‘wake’ houses, and alehouses, all once considered off-limits. The troubling reality is that ordinary, law-abiding men and women can go nowhere without fear; or without the probability of becoming a victim of crime. We pray and we are attacked; we mourn our dead and we are made to grieve further; and we sit down to have a social drink and the criminal spirits visit to remind all of whom is in charge here.
Given environment and circumstances of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), there is some empathy. It is not in a good place to bring overwhelming, or credible, presence to the crucial points of criminal concert. It does not have the people power nor sufficiency of ethical power nor the comprehensive power to combat local terrors. For here it is, that people walk with the barebones cash requirements for their travels and they are waylaid. It can be anywhere that the transportation system carries. Citizens huddle in clusters for protection and it is to no avail, because they still come in their brigades of banditry.
Since the GPF is hard pressed to deliver and cannot be in all the places (not even a majority of the sensitive ones) where they are desperately needed, perhaps a radical step should be considered. It may be past the time for making it easier for all citizens, who are capable, to obtain firearms. It is a radical step, which is not uttered lightly; and which is sure to provoke interminable recoiling.
Still, the thinking is that this could rebalance the scales somewhat and make the criminally reckless and dangerous pause and consider a change of career options. For there is a deterrent present and pedestrians and patients, commuters and citizens, and shoppers and sporting aficionados, and all the rest unaccounted for, would be in a position either to take appropriate action, and with that well known and well understood facility relative to all that it represents.
Naturally, there is awareness that this may create more problems than they address, and of an increasingly imperiling character. Still, there is persistence, as crime of all kinds are no longer a daily phenomenon, but now a bona fide hourly, if not momentary, reality.
It is believed that the possible results may justify the risks. The peoples of this society cannot go on like this, where every step that they take is the equivalent of an unnavigable minefield and full-fledged warzone. We are – all of us – going out into the world (many times in our own homes too) like sitting ducks waiting to be picked off at random, or with calculated and ruthless efficiency. Something has to give; something must be made available to level the fields of felony.
Since the manpower and presence of state power are simply not there, then the suggestion is that the people so desirous be given the power to possess the power necessary to protect themselves. It is the very least that they are asking and what should be made available to them. There is regret at having to come to this point.

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