Latest update March 29th, 2024 12:59 AM
Jan 15, 2016 Letters
Dear Editor,
The myth of a quiet Guyana countryside is dead; murdered by crimes of opportunity. The bludgeoning of British teenager Dominic Bernard at Nurney Back-dam, Corentyne, for his foreign currency; the burning alive of Anita Baichan at Plantation Hope, West Berbice (a section of Bath Settlement) and the chopping of Arthur Rajkumar and his wife Diane Chamanlall at Bushlot Lot, West Berbice, while demanding money have left residents in shock and confusion.
We cannot help but notice that none of these murders is gun related. Regardless of the weapons of choice, the question is that with the spread of gangs in the countryside, are these simply the work of gangs that have run amok? Probably not! Though there are some confessions, we are yet to know the details of their motivation and state of mind. So far, the lure of money, substance abuse, and the ages ranging from 17 to 25 are a common thread.
If we examine the economic landscape of West Coast Berbice, we will find that Bath Settlement and Bush Lot Village are historically PPP strongholds that have traditionally emerged from sugar cane and rice cultivation. For the PPP twenty three(23) years in office, these communities have grown by leaps and bounds to become the major business centers of that area evident by the concentration of businesses and mansions. Twelve (12) years ago, the Plantation Hope section of Bath was a model scheme with first class roads, drainage, and street lamps before houses were constructed. Like the rest of Guyana, the building and expansion of these communities were also made possible with the help of overseas remittances. Local residents from the traditional villages of Hopetown and Belladrum argue that this rapid growth resulted from consumer businesses and construction opportunities favored by the PPP government. So, it is not by chance these places have become wholesale centers for small and large groceries stores and construction materials in West Berbice.
Rapid change is often dizzying! Over the recent years, many ordinary country folks perceive that some of these businesses were fronts for cocaine runners and money launderers; one vice leads to another. There is more disposable income, more access to marijuana and cocaine, little incentive to stay in school, school drop-out rate as low as age 15, and during the regular work-day you can see these youths on bicycles, liming, drinking, and smoking their life away, oblivious of the consequences of addiction. Centers such as Linden, New Amsterdam, and Hopetown are similarly affected, but have less disposable income to afford the more expensive cocaine. If you were to record the number of “Bamboo” wrappings sold by local stores each day, then you are compelled to admit that Guyana has a national problem.
A national problem needs a bold national response. We may have a greater challenge to control those who are addicted and brain-damaged, but we can control our schools and what is taught in the curriculum. Guyana needs a mandatory Health- Substance Abuse Curriculum, from kindergarten to university that teaches the various drugs, organic and lab-made, and their long and short term effects on individuals, their families, and communities, and nation. Our people must learn the value of prevention and intervention before resorting to incarceration and execution.
Violent crimes are increasing. I firmly believe that this new coalition government is both competent and committed to act in communities and through the many agencies supported by law enforcement, to test and evaluate our youths in need of intervention programs and treatment, and thereafter channel them into institutions where they will learn skills, gain employment, and become useful citizens.
Our youths are our most valuable assets, so let’s attend to their needs and ours.
Max Wallerson
THIS IDIOT TELLING GUYANA WE HAVE NO SAY IN THE 50% PROFIT SHARING AGREEMENT WE HAVE WITH EXXON.
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