Following the armed attack by robbers at the Ramada Princess Hotel, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) yesterday voiced its concern at the current crime rate, while noting that it needs to be urgently addressed ahead of next month’s jubilee celebrations.
In a statement, the GCCI said it was “extremely concerned” about the apparent escalation in armed robberies and violent crimes being perpetrated on members of the business community and the country as a whole.
As a result, the Chamber stressed to the government and the disciplined forces that the need to address the issue is even more urgent as the Golden Jubilee celebrations are fast approaching and tourists and Guyanese abroad are being asked to return to visit, celebrate and invest in Guyana.
“It is extremely disturbing that all the support over the years, from both local and international agencies, seems to have done very little to improve the overall effectiveness of the Guyana Police Force in securing the nation. Clearly, there is an urgent need for a national discussion on the long term capacity of the Force to address the level of crime in Guyana, starting with an increase in foot patrols,” it added.
According to the Chamber, robberies such as those committed on the Princess Casino, the recent murders of rice farmers Mohamed and Jamilla Munir, who both burned to death after robbers set their home on fire, and numerous other businesses across the country continue to be documented in the daily newspapers, which are regularly viewed by intended overseas guests. “These incidents will loom like a large cloud over our parades and related activities, deter visitors from coming to participate in our celebrations, and can place a damper on lucrative future investment,” it added.
The recent attacks come in the midst of the continuing countrywide anti-crime campaign, dubbed ‘Operation Dragnet,’ which was launched last December. The six-month long Joint Services operation began on December 1, 2015 and is expected to be concluded in June.
The GCCI statement followed a day after two Berbice chambers criticised the government’s response to crime, saying it seemed ineffectual.
It was issued hours after armed bandits stormed the casino and shot four employees during a robbery. The gunmen later shot a policeman who was part of the response to the attack. A suspected was arrested at the scene.
