It is a sad indictment on the judiciary when armed robbers, who violate the persons, properties, and homes of the citizens of this land, are rapped on the knuckles and set free to continue their predatory practices once more. And the negligible amounts of bail which releases them to once more steal, and even kill, make a mockery of the rights of the victims, the security of the nation, and the efforts of members of the Joint Services, who often lay their lives on the line to apprehend perpetrators, only to see them walk the streets shortly after, openly in search of defenceless prey.

On the other side of the coin, persons who are not violent, and who pose no real extended threat to the wider society are locked up with hardened criminals in environments and conditions that could very well transform them into real enemies of society, thereby inflating a rapidly expanding criminal network.

Governmental institutions, such as hospitals and health centres, schools, community centres, et al – even sidewalks, could be kept in pristine condition if petty criminals could serve their time doing community work instead of being clothed, fed, and housed at the expense of taxpayers.

Every day the courts could churn out a labour force to weed yards and parapets, clean drains and canals, paint and wash public buildings, etc.  Volunteers could oversee these felons to ensure that they perform creditably, or else their term of community service could be extended.

Many schoolyards, rather than providing an avenue for healthy play and exercise, are hazards to the health and welfare of the nation’s children, so parents or retired grandparents could provide oversight services for cleaning/rehabilitation/renovation of schools and schoolyards.

The judicial system could even invite the private sector to be partners in such an initiative, because there are many within Guyana’s entrepreneurial corridors who would welcome a restoration of standards within the various communities. Such a programme could incorporate many dimensions to address the variances of social rapprochement to the development and enhancement of individuals and the society at large.

However, we need to get the hardcore, inhumane, and murderous criminals off the streets, regardless their age.  A thirteen-year-old or a thirty-year-old pulling the trigger of a gun at point-blank range still results in the death of the victim.

For all those who protest police exercises to find and prosecute criminals, let them be warned that they, or a loved one, could be the next victim, because criminals have no loyalty.

The police should also prosecute, to the full extent of the law, all who support and protect those who prey on others, because they are no less culpable.  Many are the beneficiaries of the criminal activities and share, in equal measure, the spoils of the predators, so they should also share in the punishment in equal measure.

Guyanese, as a collective body, should support our security forces in their attempts to eradicate the criminal elements from the society and once more restore law and order, to the extent where citizens of, and visitors to, this country could walk the streets and enjoy the sanctuary of their homes unmolested and free from fear.