Dear Editor,
THE new Mayor & Councillors of the City of Georgetown need to demand that their City Police Department devise a strategy to combat the upsurge in crime in our capital. The mission of the City Constabulary is to detect and prevent crime, maintain law and order, protect municipal property and preserve the peace, particularly in and around the markets, commercial areas  and in the downtown area. It is no secret that the members of this law- enforcement agency needs to be far more effective in the performance of their duties.The country as a whole, but Georgetown in particular, has experienced an increased rate of crime that includes home invasions, and shootings. Moreover, there has been a dramatic increase in criminal activity such as assaults, armed robberies, and random shootings in public places in the capital.
Some reports indicate that a number of Indo-Guyanese have been attacked in various criminal incidents, but whilst allegations that Indo-Guyanese citizens were being disproportionately affected by criminality can be debated, for sure crime victims are targeted due to their perceived wealth.

The City Constabulary’s response to reports of criminal activity in and around the municipal markets is always slow and unprofessional. Indeed, it is firmly believed that some ranks are colluding with criminals or turning a blind eye to criminal activity. In the past, they were known for harassing vendors, taking away their goods almost daily. However, this is not as rampant now, since some constables are believed to be partnering with criminals to earn extra cash. A constable is right now before the courts for breaking into a stall in the market with a criminal cohort.

Speaking with vendors, one learns that about six persons are robbed in and around the Stabroek Market every day. It was said that  “you always are hearing “look he, look he” and when you watch there’s a’ lil’ boy running or riding up the road and in the next direction, is somebody looking helpless and no Constable in sight.

Vendors have stated that there are several well- known gangs, comprising teenagers, operating around the market, who often sell their loot “under the clock” in view of constables without being arrested or charged. This is in spite of the Council’s initiative to increase supplies of arms, ammunition, vehicles, protective gear and communication equipment to them.

The usual cry by the City Constabulary that they are understaffed, can no longer hold true, as they have been relieved of guard duty at municipal locations and replaced by a private guard service at an extravagant cost, which is another story, but there must be more than enough uniformed ranks available now to be placed around the city to prevent criminal activity.

Meanwhile, at the Bourda Market, illegal activities are also a regular feature, since the facility functions around the clock with little or no security, whilst private guards are stationed on the Merriman Mall guarding nothing

Vendors and their customers are easy prey, as many of them are robbed at gunpoint. It is time for the City Constabulary and the City Council to get their acts together.
Shanta Singh