Dear Editor,
We learnt recently from the press, of the many promotions, comprising all ranks in the Guyana Police Force, that have been made and approved by the Police Service Commission. Congratulations to all. But regrettably, many Guyanese feel that crime is on the increase in this country. Guyana is rated as critical for crime by the US Embassy. It claimed that “criminal activity is a major problem, particularly violent crimes and crimes against people and property. Foreigners in general are viewed as targets of opportunity but are not specifically targeted. Violence against women, particularly in a domestic context is a pervasive problem.”
Most violent crimes against foreigners have occurred in the capital. However, there have been incidents of violent crimes committed in other parts of the country as well. Serious crime, including murder and armed robbery, are common, especially in the suburban areas and the interior regions. The most recent information from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime lists Guyana’s 2010 homicide rate as 18.4 per 100,000 people – the fourth highest murder rate in South America behind Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil. Guyana’s murder rate is three times higher than that of the United States.
Armed robberies occur regularly, especially directed against businesses and in shopping districts. Armed robberies of businesses/patrons are becoming increasingly common in Georgetown. Criminals are often organized, travel in groups of two or more, and conduct surveillance on their victims. Periodically, there are reports of robberies/attacks on overseas citizens and in areas frequented by expatriates. The press reported 108 armed robbery incidents during 2013. It is likely that many more incidents go unreported.
Criminals appear to be able to obtain weapons with ease, despite the arduous licensing requirements for the average person to own firearms. Handguns, knives, machetes, or cutlasses tend to be the weapons of choice. Criminals generally will not hesitate to show multiple weapons as an intimidation tactic during a robbery. Criminals may act brazenly, and police officers have been victims and perpetrators of assaults and shootings. Criminals are increasingly willing to resort to violence while committing all types of crimes.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)
