The PNCR says the nation’s 38th Republic anniversary comes at a time when respect for human life seems to have frittered away and the country is off course.

The killings at Lusignan on January 26 and those at Bartica on Sunday “have thrown dark shadows across the political and social landscape of the country” the party said in a press release. The Republic anniversary is an occasion for measuring the progress made since Guyana took its destiny into its own hands. By such measurement, it must be clear that the nation is heading in the wrong direction, the party said. In order for the country to get back on track all stakeholders must, “together, urgently agree a national consensus on what must be done to end the scourge of criminality and violence.”

The PNCR says it makes no apology for repeating, on this occasion, that the PPP/C administration is obligated to craft a definite, comprehensive and time-bound plan informed by, among other documents, the report and recommendations of the Disciplined Forces Commission, the Symonds Report and the Security Sector Reform Action Plan. The opposition says a plan could arrest the slide into the abyss of destruction brought on by criminal activity and the fast-growing culture of drug-driven and funded criminal enterprises.

Improving security is a “pre-condition” for the nation’s growth and development.If the administration brings on board all stakeholders, in a meaningful and practical way, then there is no reason why, by the next anniversary the nation should not be able to proudly claim to have reduced the influence and incidence of narco-funded activity and changed the present course to one of prosperity, the PNCR said.

The time for action is now, the party added; saying corruption, the continued lawlessness in “high places”, the intolerance of views other than those expressed by the administration and the despair and hopelessness that afflicts the nation, particularly the youth, must be addressed now.

It said too citizens cannot afford to leave the country hostage to criminals and “those whose ideology seems to be to destroy the political, economic and social fabric of the nation.” In the circumstances the PNCR wished the nation a prayerful holiday during which it is hoped that the spirit of peace, love and unity is visited on the nation.