The recent upsurge in criminal activities across the country seemed to have cracked the nerve of the business
Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan
community as it came out swinging at the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change Administration, for what it said seems to be its inability to take control of the situation.
Officials of the Central Corentyne and Berbice Chambers of Commerce (CC&BCC) on Thursday first criticised the new Administration, pointing out that it appears to be powerless and ineffectual in tackling the situation.
“Government seems powerless, ineffectual, and out of their league in fighting crime. It is extremely disappointing as the coalition campaigned very strongly on this issue and we were all optimistic with all the military, ex-commissioners and other ‘experts’ at their disposal and now we have a situation in Berbice that is far worse than we have ever experienced,” the organisations, which represents the interest of businesses in Berbice said in a statement.
The two groups in a joint statement said “everyone seems to be a sitting duck, as it seems every day a business is held up and residents beaten and robbed in their homes, this coupled with the depressed business environment, makes it exceedingly burdensome for businesses and ordinary citizens to cope. President Granger and the Government has miserably failed the people of this country to provide protection and security”.
Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan also came under fire for his seemingly reluctant and unconcerned disposition at addressing the situation head on in the ancient county.
The Minister reportedly told the business community in the region that he had no time to deal with their concerns as he was extremely busy with the preparation for the country’s 50thIndependence anniversary celebration slated for next month.
“The present Security Minister, who we strongly believe will not be able to support and motivate the Force, is too busy preparing for the jubilee celebrations than meet with the Chambers at our request to discuss the present situation… He wants us to do his work for him. We must document what we feel he should do in the present situation and send it to him, instead of his coming to us to hear what we have to say and see if any of it can be implemented. Since we have to wait over one month to get a meeting with the Minister, let the public be the judge of his priorities.”
The Chambers articulated that that Police morale is low, with officers uncertain and afraid to shoot. They said this should be taken in context of President Granger’s insistence on pardoning criminals, stating that “it is no surprise that gun crimes have spiralled out of control. Bandits have become more emboldened by the Government’s approach.”Just recently, a Police was almost killed by a bandit in Rose Hall in the presence of his armed colleagues.
The Government’s policy on crime needs a serious overhaul. The Government appears weak, soft and sympathetic to criminals, contrast this with the late President Hoyte’s no-nonsense and aggressive approach to the ‘kick down the door bandits’ in the eighties, President Granger being a historian should go back and study and implement the strategies used by President Hoyte, who on assuming office in the eighties quickly brought the crime spree under control,” the Chamber said.
In light of Ramjattan’s remark for the CC&BCC to provide their input, the Chambers have suggested several things that could be done to tackle crime in Berbice. These include quick response teams to be located in Berbice, establishing a permanent SWAT teams in the county; Government’s unconditional support for our Policemen and women; increase in salary, pay salaries on time; increased Police patrols; and the Rose Hall Police Outpost should be converted into a Police station. The CC&BCC added that the Force needs more manpower and vehicles, in addition to training and education. They also suggested the exploration of the possibility of CCTV cameras and duty-free concessions for security equipment.
Meanwhile, following the release by the Berbice Chambers of Commerce, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) in a statement also expressed extreme concern over the mounting crime situation.
The GCCI brought into account the brazen attack on the Ramada Princess Hotel Casino and the killings earlier this month of rice farmers Mohammed Munir and his wife Jamilla.
GCCI said that with the independence jubilee fast approaching, the authorities have to do more to arrest the crime situation.
It lamented that years of changes and the provision of resources to the Police seemed to have little or no impact. According to the GCCI, there is an urgent need for a national discussion on the long-term capacity of the Police to handle crime.
