Latest update April 30th, 2024 12:59 AM
Oct 25, 2013 Editorial
The recent pre-dawn ambush and robbery on an Annandale family who had just arrived home from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, is proof positive that the Commissioner of Police has his hands full in the quest to “take back our streets and communities from the criminals”.
It was clear how terrified the victims were, particularly given the fact that the two perpetrators were waiting patiently for them in an empty yard adjacent to their residence. One of the victims is reported to have wondered aloud: “How would they know that we were coming home that time in the morning?” It was four o’clock.
And therein lies the essence of how difficult it will be for law enforcers to corral those whose minds are bent on living off of others, and who in some cases are being given up-to-the-minute details on the movements of their intended prey.
If that incident is analyzed in the most basic manner, one would have to assume that the information provided would most likely have come from a source at the local airport. There may be those who would point fingers at a wayward relative providing same, but considering the fickle nature of air travel in terms of timing, that would be the longest of long shots.
The assured manner of the operation suggests that all that needed to be done, was carried out meticulously at this end. And so it has been with all the other unsuspecting victims who have walked into their homes and experienced mind-numbing shock at being exposed to the wrath of the desperate.
It is virtually impossible to stop this and many other types of criminality today, because not only is it an obvious fact that the criminals will continue to do whatever it takes to get what they want, but with technological advancements and help from some of the trusted and seemingly honest among us, the risk is significantly reduced.
Despite the best intentions of the key stakeholders, the gradual degeneration of our social structure has begun to take hold in the worst possible manner. The “dog eat dog” mentality is becoming firmly entrenched. Those who consider themselves as too far behind in life’s race to make sense, or are just “going through the motions”, are now willing to take things a step further to be successful or more to the point, wealthy.
Because they are not physically involved, the irreparable harm done to others does not resonate in a personal manner. The thought is unsettling.
The point is that criminality has woven its way into our now fragile fabric. Even attempting to address the situation at this time is daunting. It is often said that “we all look alike”, and though many would disdainfully reject such a notion, nature and genetics are in control.
“Looking alike” is not restricted to facial similarity. For instance, there have been numerous reports of young men with haversacks on their backs – walking, riding or standing around in shopping areas around the city, and in many communities – and committing crime.
So should the public be on the lookout for all such persons? What about the honest, hard-working carpenters, masons or labourers who wear haversacks, do we have to stop and search them all?
It is the unenviable task of those in authority to separate the sheep from the goats. Even within its ranks, the Police Force has problems in identifying those who are inclined to wreak havoc or at least contribute to the continued scourge.
The fact of the matter is that solving crime in Guyana is becoming a veritable guessing game, because the likely perpetrators are adept at remaining deep in the woodwork.
Like the family at Annandale, many of us will continue to be rudely surprised or awakened by criminals. The Commissioner of Police wants to take the streets back. The problem is way beyond the streets.
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