SOMETHING is definitely wrong with my country as criminals go on a rampage and nothing seems to stop them. Guyana is paralysed by fear and apprehension because there is a siege on. Armed robbery is an everyday phenomenon, in many cases accompanied by death and there is no sign of this abating. The reason for this mayhem is not the proliferation of guns as some would think but in the light sentences meted out to these thugs. With sentencing a paltry time in jail the criminals are having a field day knowing full well that they can commit a crime and in just a few short years come out again and continue where they’ve left off. No wonder we see criminality bearing a youthful face because punishment is an incentive to them. No wonder these armed gangs flourish as more and more youngsters are encouraged to join forces, where are we going!
To send home the message in a more forcible way I make mention of a case of death resulting from an armed robbery in the Port Kaituma district where the accused on his first appearance in court went against the advice of his attorney and plead guilty. The lawyer not wanting to lose valuable legal fees was overheard prompting him to pleaded not guilty but the accused had other plans he wanted the matter over and done with, get the usual light sentence and hurriedly get back into society to benefit from the large cash loot and the firearm which was never recovered as mainstream criminal activity continue. Now I must remind you that this youngster was 18 years of age. This has become a daily occurrence with no signs of a turnaround any time soon. From all appearances our courts are more concerned in giving stiffer penalties  to persons caught with a few grammes of canabis than there is for armed robbery and this worries me greatly.
Why should anyone see the light of freedom again when you are guilty of illegal arms use or possession? Until a few life sentences are handed down to these guys there will not be any change in the present situation. I call on the legal fraternity to grant stiffer penalties for gun crimes, if the laws do not reflect this then amend the laws and build bigger prisons.

On the same note, I am also asking for an amendment to the laws governing drunk driving and death caused by dangerous driving. Once someone is found guilty of the crimes mentioned above that individual should be given a lengthy prison sentence, a revocation of one’s licence and compensation for the surviving relatives. This is the only way we can at least put a halt to road crimes.