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…rising crime worries govt, business community
Amid growing concerns by the business community over the escalating crime situation here President Irfaan Ali said all “hands are on deck” to address the issue. He said his administration will equip the Guyana Police Force with the necessary tools to carry out their functions effectively, even as police announced that over 30 murders have occurred thus far for the year.
Speaking at the Private Sector Commission’s (PSC) Annual General Meeting (AGM) Friday afternoon Ali said his government has recognised the importance of protecting citizens, property and life. “All efforts and hands are on deck to address the mechanism to equip law enforcement with necessary tools, equipment and training to make their duties successful.” He said that while crime itself has evolved over the years, local law enforcement must be challenged to keep abreast with preventative measures and investigative reach.
The President, however, pointed out that although the Government is responsible for providing public security to citizens, the issue of crime can only be resolved through partnerships. “We need the collaboration of the Private Sector.” The Head of State noted that while much has been done to reform, train, strengthen and invest in tools and equipment, security remains a work in progress. “The more developed a country becomes, the more sophisticated the crime is.”
The Head of State reminded the private sector that although $15B has been allocated to the security sector in 2021, plans are already underway to ensure that resources, both human and financial, are targeted to get the best possible result. A key component of this plan, he added, is the setting up of Command Centres, operated by the police, in high crime areas. The President stressed that collaboration with the Private Sector is needed to effectively combat crime.
“That is why, at the regional level, at police stations level themselves, we are now establishing management committees that involve civil society, involve the private sector in providing that oversight at the station level.” He emphasised that resolving the issue of crime calls for innovative thinking, partnership and proactive work. “And we’re very open to discussing ways in which private sector and Government can collaborate in this regard.”
Business community worried
Last week Thursday the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) expressed alarm over the rising crime situation here. In a statement, hours after a man was shot dead in Charlestown, Georgetown the GCCI said it notes with tremendous concern, the escalating rate of crime that is occurring in Guyana. “The perpetuation of these violent crimes is of great concern to the members of the Chamber as it directly impacts the welfare of the citizens and enterprises of the country,” the GCCI said. In particular, GCCI said it has been noted that there seems to be an increasing rate of criminal activities against the business community. “This has created an air of fear amongst the community in Guyana, as well as the wider citizenry. The GCCI calls on the authorities to take stern actions against the criminal elements and ramp up its campaign against crime fighting. The Chamber continues to remain willing to assist in any way possible and continues to view itself as a partner in development and nation building.”
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.
Alliance 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.