The plight of ordinary workers in Guyana

May 16, 2024 Features / Columnists, Peeping Tom

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Kaieteur News – Not long ago, a father, with the responsibility of providing for his family, set off on his usual route home after a long day at work. With a haversack slung over his shoulder, likely containing his lunch bowls and personal belongings, he walked a familiar route to one of the city’s bus parks. This routine journey, however, turned fatal when he was confronted by a group of youngsters believed to be intent on robbing him. In the ensuing struggle, the worker was stabbed to death, his life brutally cut short in an act of senseless violence.

This heartbreaking incident is not an isolated case; it is a tragic narrative that in the lived experience of many families across Guyana. It is an all too familiar incident in our country.

In the streets of Guyana, the life of an ordinary worker can be perilously unpredictable. Public transport is the lifeline for many of these hard-working individuals, who traverse the city not in the comfort of personal vehicles, but in crowded mini-buses. The recent tragic death of an ordinary worker, ambushed and fatally stabbed while walking home, reflects the grim reality faced by the working poor in Guyana. This tragedy, emblematic of the dangers lurking near bus parks, is a stark reminder of the vulnerability and risks that ordinary people endure daily.

Bus parks in Guyana, particularly after sunset, transform into zones fraught with danger. Stabroek Square, a central hub in the city, epitomizes this perilous environment. As the daylight fades, the area becomes a breeding ground for criminal activities, where muggings and robberies are alarmingly common. The unfortunate worker’s death highlights the systemic issues that plague these public spaces. Poor lighting, inadequate policing, and the presence of illegal structures contribute to an environment where crime thrives, leaving ordinary citizens vulnerable and unprotected.

The incident should have long sparked calls for urgent action from both the public and authorities. There is a pressing need to address crime in these areas and implement measures to protect the working populace. Because of the traffic problems, many workers, including women have to spend a long time at bus parks awaiting transportation to get home. Little protection is in place for these workers who have to find security in their numbers, and even that cannot be counted on because when the criminals attack, every man Jack scatters.

Authorities must prioritize the removal of illegal structures and vendors that obstruct the flow of pedestrians and create chaotic conditions conducive to criminal activities. Enhanced lighting and increased police presence are essential steps in reclaiming these spaces and ensuring they are safe for commuters. This would be a good start.

However, the tragedy of the murdered worker is reflective of a broader societal issue in Guyana. The working poor, like the ill-fated father, bear the brunt of criminal attacks. But what other option is open to them other than to take a chance and hope they are not the next victim.

Recently, a major establishment in the city secured an order to remove illegal structures and vendors obstructing its premises. This is a positive. However, this action also sets a precedent that can be leveraged to improve public safety. If similar efforts are directed to clear towards bus parks and other critical areas, significant progress can be made in reducing crime and safeguarding the public.

The government, law enforcement agencies and local authorities must collaborate with each other to develop a comprehensive strategy to tackle crime in public spaces.

For too long, excuses have been the order of the day, allowing unlawful conduct to persist unchecked. Whether it’s illegal vending or choke-and-rob, all forms of illegal activity must be addressed with equal rigor. It is untenable to condone one type of illegality while aggressively pursuing another, as this selective enforcement undermines efforts to improve public security.

Comprehensive and consistent law enforcement is essential to restoring safety and order, ensuring that all citizens can go about their daily lives without fear of being victimized. Only through a holistic approach to tackling crime can we expect meaningful and lasting improvements in public safety.

The tragic death of the hard-working father is a sobering reminder of the dangers that ordinary people face in Guyana. It is a call to action for authorities to address crime especially at the prime hot spots: our bus parks.

Public security starts with citizens. An appeal is hereby being made to the President to, as a matter of policy, instruct the authorities take immediate and decisive action to protect the poor and ordinary citizens who rely on bus parks for their daily commute. These individuals, unable to afford the luxury of special hire taxis or rides from friends, face significant risks each day simply trying to get home.

By ensuring the safety and security of bus parks, the government can demonstrate its commitment to the well-being of all its citizens, particularly the most vulnerable. Protecting these vital transit hubs will not only reduce crime but also restore a sense of security and dignity to those who work hard every day to support their families. It is a matter of urgency and justice that these measures are implemented without delay.

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• country, experience, familiar, route, violence

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