We have been advised to be watchful around Georgetown during this season. Still, while commuters sit in traffic, men are reaching through the windows and grabbing their bags, phones and other valuables. People are being ambushed on the pavements and in the streets. It is commendable that there is an increased police presence around Georgetown, but still thieves are disappearing in the crowds. These occurrences during the Christmas season are often spoken of nonchalantly, almost as if the robbers have rights to rob the people because they too deserve to have a merry Christmas. The fears of some people are so well written across their faces that they are attacked even when observant. Many have accepted that this is part of our culture around this time of year and the onus is on the people to protect themselves. But, how can we accept this as part our culture? How can we accept that criminals will rob the innocent because they too want to have a jolly Christmas?
They seem to bathe in the tears of the people they hurt with no thought of karma; most of the robbers are young people who perhaps think that some later repentance would absolve them.
Some of us blame the system for the choices of the people who decide to walk a path of crime. Certainly, more opportunities can be created to aid in the people developing themselves and most Guyanese deserve better wages and salaries. Yet most men and women who are underprivileged do not choose a life of crime.
