Dear Editor,
The Guyana National Service produced good, disciplined citizens who might have otherwise have turned to a life of crime. If the Guyana National Service had not been disbanded, many of our young men who are “wandering” and “loitering” would have had their energies channelled positively and not have had their lives ended by a bullet from a gun. Every child is a good child; every child needs love and belonging; every child needs guidance and protection. The Guyana Police Force motto is ‘Service and Protection,’ not ‘Shoot to Kill’ and the Commissioner of Police should ensure that the ranks adhere to their motto. The Guyana National Service moulded many who are successful today, from pilots to entrepreneurs to plumbers to masons – good corporate citizens. I am calling for the rejuvenation of the Guyana National Service to take the youths off the street corners and to harness their productive talents. The Guyana Defence Force can act as an oversight body to the Guyana National Service so as to mitigate the exploitation and abuse of power. Guyana youths need love and belonging not bullets.
Yours faithfully,
Nicole Cole
