RECENTLY, the presence of the police and their notable rise in proficiency levels have been most comforting. To me, one of the major hallmarks of any good society is the ‘feeling of well being and safety’ that citizens must be imbued in. When this kind of alert for safety is high, there is always a corresponding benefit-a better society for everyone. In this regard, I pen this very congratulatory letter. First, it is most necessary that whatever can possibly facilitate any behaviour, actions and practices etc. that are illegal, dangerous and untoward, in any vehicle-these must all be eradicated. This could be the extended dangerous height to which trucks pack their trailers; the loud boom-boom boxes in the trunk and back seat of some cars and SUV’s; the sophisticated sound systems of many cars and mini buses; etc. etc. It does not matter what-these must go. A vehicle should focus on safety and function, and not ‘showmanship.’ I am so enraged that many mini buses have fanciful and expensive rims and tyres and modern sound systems, but are bereft of working ACs. This should not be allowed. So if the alertness of various police ranks on patrol, in the Annandale, East Coast Demerara area, was compromised, the removal of the illegal weapon from the hands of criminals, would have probably led to a robbery or murder. Just absorb this botched potential robbery or murder: The police actions resulted in the arrest of three men, following the discovery of an unlicensed .38 revolver, with four live rounds, in a car. I really take my hat and salute the ‘boys’ for this. It shows a welcome level of interest. By the way, I ask that reader take not of the fact that the weapon was found stashed behind the car’s compact disc (CD) player. Imagine what can be concealed in those large ‘speaker boxes.’

I also like what I read about what actually took place. I agree that in Guyana a lot of suspicious and questionable things do take place, but look at the issue as the arrest was made. The reports suggested that the police were patrolling along the Annandale Railway Embankment, when they stopped a car with three men, who were acting suspiciously. One of the ranks at the roadblock recognized one of the occupants of the car as a known character, who had had previous brushes with the law regarding firearm possession.
So as expected, that rank (it was not stated which actual rank) took precautions and assumed the worst, and his assumption was vindicated. I suggest that this be the way to go. A lot of people write and complain about crimes in the country, so I think that the time is right for the ‘cops’ to go that extra mile. If this potential crime had been realized, then the criticisms would have been fraught from many sources. Also these aggressive condemnations would have been directed at innocent people, particularly the PPP/C party. So again: I iterate that the lawmen did right.

I close by asking that the full force of the law be applied where speeding, overloading and noise nuisance are concerned. It makes no sense that Guyana seek to ‘head out’ towards development, and persons fail to adhere, co-operate with and obey the law. One is the antithesis of the other.