The Corentyne Chamber of Commerce has added its voice to those who are demanding that the two-month-old government urgently take action to bring the crime situation under control.
According to a press release from the Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, they are “alarmed at the spate of unprecedented levels of crimes being committed in Berbice,” which in their estimation, has “not experienced anything of this nature in recent memory.”
The Chamber of Commerce said that “ ‘people’ would not be too concerned of all the talks and disclosures of ‘Forensic Audits’ if their relatives (are) being killed and their business takings are being seized by gun toting bandits.” This was a reference to the launch by the new administration of a series of audits of state entities.
In order to stem the crimes, the Chamber has demanded that the government get the police to unrelentingly “pursue these criminals and bring them to justice”.
It noted “We are also worried by the increasing reports of teenage criminals snatching chains & cellphones with increasing alacrity.”
It said that armed bandits seem to be operating without concern about police intervention and that the latter appear “unwilling or demotivated to act”.
The body also issued a call to the government to “honour their promises in the 100 days plan” and to retain the uniform grant to students as well as the $10,000 grant to families with children in public schools.
In addition, the Chamber also said it is “looking forward in the near future for a reduction on personal income taxes and a new regime of taxes on vehicles reflecting lower taxes on newer fuel efficient vehicles.”
