Dear Editor,
Of recent, the Government could be seen traversing throughout Guyana, meeting people to listen to the issues affecting them and making decisions to assist. In addition, the Acting Commissioner and high-ranking members of the Guyana Police Force could also be seen playing their role by visiting and talking to residents and even major stakeholders. I’ve no problem with these moves because I’m glad to see many of the issues affecting us being resolved. However, my concern is that the GPF have many issues that could be dealt with that don’t involve consultation, and they are not addressing them properly.
Editor, immediately after Ambassador Lynch issued the advisory on the crime situation around the Stabroek area, we saw the members of the GPF swoop down to the Stabroek area, accompanied by media representatives, and inform the public of a glorious plan to regularize the area. Lo and behold, a few days after, the constant traffic jams at the various parks, mostly being caused by errant minibus drivers, returned. People are still being blatantly assaulted and robbed around the Stabroek area during the day and night. Almost every night and into the morning hours, vendors and shoppers around the old GNCB bank and the selling area are being robbed. Vendors are reluctant to assist each other because the criminals are armed and there’s no protection for vendors, should they resist. These criminals are known and regular, why can’t the GPF set up sting operations to get rid of these criminal elements? They are so brazen, that many vendors and minibus operators know them and would point them out as they pass. The way they move around would also cause many of us to be cautious/suspicious, because they move without fear. It’s very sad to listen to the vendors complaining, and no one seems to have any interest in their well-being.
Finally Editor, traffic jams don’t occur only in the Stabroek area alone; throughout Georgetown and the outskirts are also facing this problem, and hopefully, with the new roads and roundabouts, there will be a reduction. The GPF issued an advisory to the public, suggesting that the citizens could carpool, again, a wonderful suggestion. Maybe they should advise drivers of the GPF vehicles that unless there’s an emergency, they should not turn on their siren and bully their way through the traffic, causing drivers to hurriedly drive into the corners and leaving chaos after they passed. Rarely could you see a police vehicle in a traffic jam and waiting patiently along with the other vehicles. They would turn on their siren and drive through without even looking to see what could be causing the jam. Senior Ranks would have the heavily tainted police cars, either going to pick them up or taking them places, driving recklessly, with sirens blazing daily. It should be noted that many times Ministers’ vehicles could be seen on the roadways, only with the lights flashing and not bullying their way. It’s a fact that the GPF is abusing their privileges and they are part of the problem creating traffic jams. They should do a little house cleaning first, but that’s impossible. Many still drive around with their heavily tainted vehicle, and even going to work with them. So yes, the comedy show continues!
Sincerely,
Sahadeo Bates
