Dear Editor,

Crime continues to permeate every sphere in our country. No group can claim innocence and no region immunity. Some military trained criminals are executing illegal activities, and riding shot-gun for nefarious ‘employers.’ Professor Clive Thomas’s extensive analyses of our criminalised state and the role of narco-money in its economy are ignored.

The USA Country Report on Guyana, though an international embarrassment, is not a deterrent to the perpetrators.

Many cannot leave or do not want to leave. Those who stay have a right to a better life.

The structures of state and the fabric of society are hijacked by rogue elements who are redefining ‘norms,’  ‘values’ and ‘status.’  Loved ones or neighbours are gunned down or injured. Absent breadwinners bring/increase poverty.

An overwhelmed criminal justice system leads to disenchantment and corruption. Vigilante justice replaces judicial justice. Investors and citizens flee. Hard-earned tax dollars are diverted to maintain overcrowded jails rather than be spent on development projects. Fear engulfs communities, slowing or halting social and economic life.

Crime is the result of many things. A broken justice system, marginalisation, unemployment, resistance, greed, underworld preference, poor checks and balances, and so forth.

Never in our history have we lived through such dangerous and deprived times. The Disciplined Services Commission Report submitted in 2003 gathers dust. President Jagdeo’s security meetings achieve nothing substantive. Beyond increased weaponry and violations there are no analyses of causative factors, attempts to create/stimulate employment, enforce laws across the spectrum, implement technical/skills specific education, improve community police-relations − all critical elements for reducing crime.

As Commander-in-Chief and chief public servant, President Jagdeo cannot feign ignorance of the stated realities. It is his job to craft the country’s economic and security (protection) agenda. Yet his administration continues to break the social contract with the citizenry.
A government is expected to provide order, structure and very importantly, protection. In return the government expects citizens to work, pay taxes and obey the law.

The population cannot fulfil their part of the social contract when jobs are being stifled, unjust policies are enforced, questionable economic practices are propped up/ignored, protection/security is discarded and lawlessness encouraged.

Something is amiss with a society that wantonly kills the elderly, children and working folks. Something is also amiss with a government that violates the social contract with the citizenry and doesn’t care how people view their perceived association with illegality and the criminalised economy. Something is wicked about a business sector engaging in price-gouging with no compassion for the working poor. Something is wrong when the voices of reason are becoming voiceless.

Yours faithfully,
M A Bacchus