“Who is next?” – PSC decries crime situation
November 20, 2015 3:50 pm Category: latest news A+ / A-
By Jomo Paul
PSC Chairman, Norman McLean (center) flanked by other PSC officials during the press conference. [iNews' Photo] PSC Chairman, Norman McLean (center) flanked by other PSC officials during the press conference. [iNews’ Photo] [www.inewsguyana.com] – Despite repeated statements from police and Government officials that the crime situation is under control, Guyana’s Private Sector Commission (PSC) has a different view on the situation. PSC Chairman, Norman McLean on Friday, November 20 presented a document detailing several steps that can be taken by the police to curtail the crime situation. He told a news conference that despite the police figures, the Commission is concerned about the obvious “hype in crime.” “The PSC is greatly concerned over what we perceive as the hype in crimes and we are left to wonder who is next. Crimes of violence are being conducted with impunity and little regard for life and no respect or fear of the police and the consequence of their action,” said McLean. He said that recent attacks by the criminals in Guyana are a clear indication that the criminals no longer fear the authorities. “I think it amounts to sending a message to everyone that we can do what we like – no fear.” McLean, a former member of the disciplined services, is adamant that while he does not expect the Guyana Police Force to adopt the strategies presented in the document in wholesale format, they should at least consider it. “We cannot expect it to be adopted wholesale but it should be discussed, debated and considered by the police,” said the Major General retired. He stated that while the statistics may show a decline in crime, Guyanese people and the business community are terrified and something must be done to properly arrest the situation. McLean underscored that his comments in no way are a challenge to statements made by the Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum. “The police have had some outstanding success in detection and we must congratulate them on those successes but people are fearful for their lives and would wish to see prevention rather than cure,” said the PSC Chairman.