TIME TO ACT
Crime has become big business in Guyana. Criminals have obviously invested heavily in technology, and have established very lucrative networks in the trafficking of drugs and weapons. There have been fluctuating figures over the years with respect to violent crimes including armed robbery and murders.
Whatever the figures, one thing remains constant, many communities and rural villages in the country are uncomfortable. Literally, crime is everywhere.
Recently the Minister of Public Security declared war on crime. We are sure that the Minister meant that citizens need to be more vigilant and must be willing to report suspicious behaviour in their communities to the police. Declaring war on crime does not mean that the average citizen should literally take up arms against the criminals. But sadly, that could be implied by some.
Emotions are running high, but when there is a call to declare war on crime, exactly who is this war against? People are absolutely terrified and confused. They simply do not know who is who anymore. Gone are the days when one would assess someone based on their characteristics or attire. Many of today’s criminals are well dressed, well-spoken and well connected; and many have a portrait of innocence.
People are living in fear, and are already thinking that their only option is to have a gun to defend themselves. Many live in communities alongside criminals and where gang violence is a normal occurrence.
Unfortunately, the unemployment rate seems to have created frustration, and disenchantment among youths who will do almost anything to survive. With or without jobs, these youths are gullible and some are willing to do anything, including joining criminal gangs, in an effort to escape poverty, to get-rich-quick, or simply be recognized by their peers.
It quite frankly seems that a war on crime is a war on ourselves. Our leaders should know that the aggressive, fearless and remorseless criminals are products of our society, thus, there should be an urgent need to inculcate a new kind of thinking in particularly our youths in order to convince them that theirs and the nation’s survival and prosperity depend on the collective responsibility of all.
Declaring war on crime is a cliché that has seen very little results. Words must be backed up with action, which is seldom done.
And seeing that we are into waging wars, why not declare war on corrupt and greedy public officials who pilfered the state resources of billions of dollars and in the process destroyed the hopes and aspirations of the people, which in turn has led to even more crime?
When it comes to matters concerning the well-being and safety of the masses, politics always get in the way and our leaders have failed to adequately put measures in place to deal with critical issues. New legislation, with stiffer penalties, is needed to deal with today’s criminals and their sophisticated systems. Today’s criminals are clearly much smarter and more ruthless than in the past.
It is time for commonsense to prevail, particularly at the level of governance. The country is experiencing tough economic times; the so-called ordinary people are feeling the brunt of it and its myriad problems. Murder and other serious crimes are still too high and the lives and well-being of the citizens are being continually threatened by a tiny few who are bent on destruction.
The nation’s security and intelligence agencies are screaming out for technological advancements in their efforts to make serious dents in crime in the country. The elected representatives must act to protect the citizens. Surely a reduction in crime is not too much to ask. We believe that enough has been said about reducing crime. It’s time to act.