Dear Editor,
I have observed that over the past month gun crimes have increased. The criminals are carrying out their acts brazenly and without any fear. These brazen crimes could be linked to the constant use of illegal drugs and substances. I have noticed large sums of money are being channelled to fight the AIDS epidemic but very little is being done to fight the drug scourge.
I wonder what has become of the drug master plan. It seems as though without the President’s intervention, nothing can get started. If one takes a closer look at the majority of drug and substance users on the streets they all look like AIDS victims too. How then can we disassociate ourselves from this fight?
It is believed that all the illegal guns and ammunition that are circulating have originated from drugs for arms deals. The big fish have their loyal servants who are entrusted to see that things are well sorted out. Most of these networks are well known by a number of Guyanese. Only the police and government seem unaware of these developments. That is why the US had to make the statement that was resented by the President.
I am fully aware that crime fighting is not an easy task, moreso when the perpetrators are drug and substance users. However, the Police Commissioner and the Home Affairs Minister have to accept that there is a grave problem, and it has to be tackled without favouritism on all fronts.
I think it is time the government stop encouraging people to form Community Policing Groups. This idea is a complete failure and is a waste of time and resources. Can any of these groups say if they ever had a comprehensive drug programme.
I call upon the C’ Division to tell this nation what has become of the sixty odd groups it once boasted about. I am sick of these groups, none of them know how to charter a course forward, they are all fighting for various positions in something that is already dead. Can a group function effectively when they have to confront criminals with ineffective smaller weapons?
What position will these groups take when there are the Neighbourhood Police who are paid for their services? Talking to a few members of a group in Essequibo, they told me they have joined to obtain firearm licences. This is self-serving and deceitful.
Now that two individuals have been arrested by the US, I await the next sensible and professional move by this government. A drug rehabilitation centre is of grave importance at this time, because drug and substance usage and AIDS go hand in hand.
Yours faithfully,
Tajpaul Gainda
