Dear Editor,
There has been a significant increase in crime in Guyana and the numbers keep mounting almost every day. This alarming upsurge is very scary. Sunday’s newspapers reported murders on the East Coast, West Coast, Corentyne and East Bank of Demerara.
We in the diaspora are very disturbed at the headlines in the newspapers, for example, Sunday’s headlines: ‘Mon Repos man stabbed to death,’ ‘Corentyne man killed,’ ‘Gang knocks down Cane Grove man then beats him to death’ and ‘Tuschen resident stabbed to death.’
Opposition supporters are blaming the government for the increasing crime stating that the escalation started since the change of government. This is far from being true since there were signs of an increase months before elections. Instead of criticizing I think that all Guyanese should be involved in trying to stamp out not only the violent crime, but also the corruption and other wrongdoings which are fast becoming the way of life in the Co-operative Republic. I think it is high time that the political parties, religious organizations, sports and cultural organizations, trade unions, Lions clubs, Rotary clubs, scouts, girl guides and other organizations should band themselves together and try to stamp out crime in the interest of the country.
The situation has a serious impact on Guyanese in the diaspora and other nationals who wish to spend vacations in that English-speaking South American country. A concerted effort should be made to rid our country of this unfortunate and worrying situation. And while Guyana is branded as a hotbed for crime, the Trinidad Express newspaper reported today that there is a significant decrease in crime in the twin island republic.
Like me several Guyanese in the diaspora are willing to offer voluntary services to assist in curbing the problem which is a bugbear to our society. I feel that some of the diaspora Guyanese have the ability to contact international organizations to assist in this worthwhile cause. There are several sources which can be tapped for financial, professional, and technical assistance.
I am urging the government and the opposition to set aside their political and other differences and work assiduously together to rescue our country which is slipping downwards every day. Time is of the essence; urgent action has to be taken.
Yours faithfully,
Oscar Ramjeet
