Dear Editor,
Quick sleuth-like action by the police has led to the capture of some known criminals and the recovery of a cache of arms and ammunition in various parts of the country. In the case of the Berbice operation, we are witnessing the recovery of firepower enough to measure up to the capabilities of a mini-army, similar to that used in the Cummings Lodge mayhem. I commend the police for a job well done and wish them further success in the field of public safety.
As I commend the police I cannot help but ask the question what next, as we turn our attention to the courts where those held will be arraigned.
Now my question is will these be given the light sentences that presently exist, or should they face penalties that would render them incapacitated for criminal activity? My view on this is once you are found guilty of gun crimes you should be sent away for life. But others might disagree and label my suggestion as draconian.
However, this still begs the question as to what punishment would be considered appropriate so that society can be protected from this menace; it is certainly not anything close to what obtains. For Guyana to put a severe dent in if not permanently halt this deadly criminal activity there must be a significant increase in incarceration time.
Yours faithfully,
Neil Adams
