Despite reports that crime rates have fallen, and indeed statistics are showing this to be the case, as we approach the Christmas season it is more apparent than ever that the economic situation for many is leading to crime spates that are leaving neighbourhoods feeling vulnerable and filled with anxiety. For many residents, sleepless nights abound and the disruption of everyday lives is increasing stress levels; a consequence that is often underestimated and one which is affecting both young and old members of households.
There seems little point in dwelling on the accuracy of statistics; it is clear that there are very clever ways of presenting figures and manipulating categories while remaining within the realms of legality. The bottom line is that whether higher or lower, the current rate of crime is a crisis that is causing the migration of our people and affecting the quality of life of so many of our citizens.
Police are under-resourced and seem unable to tackle the problem for a variety of reasons; this may be an indicator of the reluctance of some to report crimes, in turn affecting statistics. So justifiably highlighted is the fact that without the much-needed revenue from taxes, the resource capabilities of law enforcements is unlikely to improve. In which case, the very people that are in need of protection must ensure that their civil responsibilities are upheld and that their contributions are in order if they hope to experience real institutional development.
Until such a time, in desperation and frustration neighbourhoods are pulling together in an effort to curtail these occurrences in a united way. The vigilante culture has been ignited as the only option. In this instance, social media is playing a positive part in the immediate sharing of information and the recording of criminals and their delinquent behaviour. Without apprehension of the perpetrators or support to do so, little progress is being made.
Although potentially dangerous and the high probability that resultant activity will be unlawful for some group members while these groups police their own areas, it is an understandable response. How can hardworking people, many struggling to maintain a decent lifestyle in this present climate, stand by and accept that their livelihood and the safety of their families are being threatened?
Frightened people are talking of the days of old when special squads were dishing out on-the-spot justice and cleaning the streets of these menaces, but can we really condone a system that fails to adhere to its citizens’ rights? Once you legitimise the practice of allowing unqualified judges in highly stressful conditions to pass irreversible death sentences on individuals without a fair trial, there is no telling where chaos will reign. Many may wish to return to such a system until one of their own family ends up caught in the midst, either innocently or otherwise, and is forever taken from them without question, understanding or reason.
Weighing up the cost against the gain will forever be an uneven debate for those who are personally touched by tragedy and those who are looking from the outside in. However, there is no denying the fact that in a country where the prison conditions are so poor that the question of whether the severity of punishment for these criminals is enough of a deterrent need not be asked, the dilemma is, what punishments and deterrents would be enough?
The cost of crime on Guyana as a country, its society and its individuals is sky high. The way forward seems sketchy and unclear. Citizens will no doubt continue to try to fight it by any means necessary in a bid to protect all that they hold dear, and the criminals on the streets, whether there through drug addiction, mental illness, desperation or sheer evil will, will no doubt continue to plague the nation.
The responsibility of protection weighs heavily on the shoulders of an ill-equipped entity with strong convictions for change, but limited means to implement. Only time will tell which direction the future takes and we must all look at our own responsibility to the process; whether that be setting up lawful neighbourhood watch schemes in conjunction with community Police personnel, paying our dues in the form of taxes to enable development and committing to instilling a culture of work ethics in our families.
Parallel to this are the responsibilities of the Government and NGOs who can contribute to creating a better economic environment to lift many out of poverty and support the reduction of crime by getting to the root of the problem and looking at the socialisation of our young people, mental health and drug abuse that are strong contributors.
