Charlestown man shot dead

…police say crime rate down

The Guyana Police Force is currently investigating a report of murder committed on Anthony Yearwood,  a 25-years -old man of  Drysdale Street, Charlestown by a suspect who is known as ‘Biggie’.

Preliminary information reveals that the incident emanated from a dispute between the two men over an alleged robbery committed by ‘Biggie’ on a victim who was known to the deceased, police said in a terse statement on the matter. There has been an upsurge in crime in recent weeks, although police said there statistics is showing a decrease in serious crimes and armed robberies.

Crime stats 

In a statement on Wednesday said it is aggressively pursuing its crime fighting strategies in the maintenance of its mandate of public safety and security.
“These intelligence- led strategies include mobile, foot and bicycle patrols; roadblocks, raids and searches among others; along with the support of the Community Policing Groups.”

According to the police the constant operational activities have led to an overall decrease of 29.8% in serious crimes for this year so far, compared to the same period last year. There has been a 38.4% decrease in armed robberies where firearms were used by the perpetrators and a 47.7% decrease in armed robberies where other instruments were used. Murder has seen a 22.9% decrease with 37 to date this year compared to 48 for the similar period last year.

“Recognising that criminal minded persons have been riding motor cycles and bicycles in their robbery attacks on citizens, extensive campaigns are ongoing in the Police Divisions to reign in and detain  these vehicles and arrest persons where applicable which has resulted in a number of motor cycles and bicycles being detained and which are being processed in terms of lawful ownership and other issues,” the police statement said.

Additionally, the police said countrywide operations by the Force’s Narcotics Department also, have resulted in a total so far of 111 kilograms 11.4 grams of cannabis sativa (marijuana) and 267.2 grams of cocaine being interdicted and a number of persons were prosecuted.

“Notwithstanding the assiduous efforts in its crime fighting posture,  the Guyana Police Force is reminding members of the public to  remain security conscious as they go about their daily endeavours and urge that, in addition to other safety precautions,  they seek to refrain from moving around with large sums of cash and avoid routines in their movements,  wherever practical,” the statement added.

“The Guyana Police Force is looking forward to the continued support of the public who can confidentially communicate tips and information to the Forcew through the following numbers.”

Opposition concerned
Only last week the Alliamce For Change (AFC) said it  finds the current upsurge in crimes across the country, ranging from petty theft to domestic violence to an execution type murder, as extremely worrying.
Speaking at a news conference last Thursday AFC leader and former Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan said what is even more stressful in this Covid time, is the large number of non-apprehension of the offenders.

“This steep crime wave will only further dent the promised economic recovery of the PPP and crack further the public security architecture which was incrementally being constructed by the previous APNU/AFC administration,” Ramjattan said.
He said AFC appreciates the heroic efforts of the large majority of officers and junior ranks in the Guyana Police Force. “Somehow these are overshadowed by the greedy and unprofessional within. These rogue elements must condignly be dealt with.”
“The AFC is aware that there has been, on the part of the PPP Government, a retrogression and complete disinterest in implementing a number of the recommendations which emerged out of the British Security Sector Reform Report and the follow up consultancies. The attitude of the PPP prior to 2015 was to stay clear from such reform as the British had suggested. Now that the study is completed and is depending on implementation to bring it to fruition, that unwilling attitude remains,” Ramjattan pointed out.

The AFC calls on the Government to give account on how far it intends to take these recommendations of Russell Coombe, and the other expert consultants, forward.