Dear Editor,
It is evident that Guyana is poised for economic transformation and development, after moving out of the period of the ‘precondition for takeoff’ mode. This giant leap will require the maintenance of law and order, and the implementation of security interventions to support the protection of property. The newly-constructed 4-lane East Coast Demerara highway, damaged by the protesters when they set fire thereto, would require scarce financial resources to fix, as the contractor will not accept responsibility for the
Damages, as the defect’s liability based on the contractual obligations are still in force.
There is an old adage says “progress breeds enemies”, and the wanton damage to public infrastructure is nothing more than hooliganism. Economic stagnation and stagflation are not the solution to Guyana’s problems; economic transformation would definitely mean economic prosperity.
What we witnessed on June 28, 2022 on the East Coast of Demerara is an illegal act to destabilise Guyana, and it was nothing less than the breakdown of law and order, which drives fear in society. The criminal elements and hooligans quickly seized the opportunity to “catch dem hand” by creating chaos and mayhem on the streets and public roads, robbing innocent people, burning vehicles, looting merchandise and damaging market stalls in the process, thus disrupting the livelihoods of vendors. This barbaric act should be condemned by all right-thinking Guyanese.
It is sad to note that while all this was happening, the timely response mechanism of the Guyana Police Force, which is strategically located in the ECD Region 4, was late in activating its Standard Operating Procedures, while the GPF is in receipt of increased budgetary allocations from the Irfaan Ali-led PPP/C Government. This is a dereliction of duties committed by the Guyana Police Force.
I can recall the Desmond Hoyte Doctrine, “Slow Fire and More Fire”, which commenced in 1992 and intensified in 1997, when he referred to the Police as “kith and kin”. Editor, the planners and intellectual authors of this protest should all be charged, and placed before the courts for creating public disorder and mischief by attacking innocent citizens at Annandale and Mon Repos.
While I share the pains of the alleged murder and loss of life of Quindon Bacchus, the law must be activated to take its course, where justice will be served. As a result, hooliganism should not be embraced as an alternative to the justice system. Domestic terrorism leads to anarchy, and should not be promoted in society, as it impacts our national and international image.
It must be noted, however, that the maintenance of law and order and political stability is a prerequisite for poverty reduction, job creation, and economic development.
Editor, this is the opportune time to unite and build the “One Guyana” that we all want and will be proud of. Let’s do it!
