Private sector seeking urgent meeting with President on crime

-says more aggressive strategy needed

The Private Sector Commission today said it was seeking an urgent meeting with President David Granger on crime.

It released a copy of a letter it dispatched to him yesterday saying that meetings with the Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan and the Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud have been to no avail.

May 3, 2016

His Excellency, President David Granger

President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana

Ministry of the Presidency

Shiv Chanderpaul Drive

Georgetown

Dear Mr. President,

The Private Sector Commission and other members of the business community are deeply disturbed about the current situation with respect to crime in Guyana, especially as we enter into a month of festivities for our Golden Jubilee when we are hoping to attract the diaspora and other visitors to join in our celebrations.  This situation is also steadily eroding investor confidence.

The Private Sector Commission has met twice with the Honourable Minister of Public Security and with the Commissioner of Police to no avail. We firmly believe that the citizens of this country can no longer live in fear of their lives and a more aggressive strategy is needed to curb the high profile crimes which are headlined daily.

We are cognisant of the fact that the current crime situation is not a recent phenomenon.  We also recognise that the ability of our Police Force to solve crimes has improved.  We are, however, of the view that we are in dire need of an approach which is focused on the prevention of crime and that this approach must be communicated widely.  We are therefore seeking an urgent audience with you.

With assurances of our highest consideration,

…………………………………….

Norman McLean (Maj. Gen. Rtd)

Chairman