CRIME continues to plague our Caribbean neighbour Jamaica. More than 13 persons have been killed only four days into the year!

Last year over 1,600 people were killed and the country has been battling with high crime rates during the past years. In 2005 the murder rate in Jamaica was about 1,674 and in 2007 it was 1,574.

Official figures for last year have not been released but the Prime Minister said that 2008 ended with a murder figure of 3% above 2007.

The high crime rate situation has put a substantial strain on the country’s medical system. In 2008, one hospital reported some 842 patients were admitted for treatment to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) unit with gunshot wounds, 62 were admitted with severe stab wounds, and 99 were victims of blunt trauma. By September of last year, there were 324 cases of persons being pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.

Here in Guyana, some sections of society fail to recognise the work of the police force to keep crime down.

It is my belief and, the stats can bear me out, that serious crimes are being tackled and are reducing.

We are nowhere near Jamaica’s figures!

Our police force is on the ball and I hope its members remain so; this will serve as a deterrent to crime.
KEITH PRINCE