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IN recent times, much has been said, talked about and discussed on making Guyana safer and more secure. This is not only for its citizens, but for visitors, business and investors. Equally important is the country’s international image on issues of crime and violence. Central to this has been the attempt to muzzle Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee in Parliament and the continuing campaign of non-co-operation from a section of society, clearly with a narrow agenda.
Minister Rohee is the chief government spokesperson and policy advocate on domestic security. This is a domain that is inherently linked to national development and health. To stymie and frustrate these is tantamount to being unpatriotic. Those pushing this agenda are only focused on the person driving the many initiatives aimed at improvement, efficiency and modernization.
A nation’s security is of paramount importance. People expect to feel safe and secure and they deserve it. Moreover, they expect their elected representatives in Parliament to do all that is necessary to ensure this feeling of comfort.
One does not have to hold any brief for this minister who is spearheading Guyana’s Citizen Programme. This is a programme that from all perspectives is a huge success and one that is recognized as a model for the Region, a recognition which also comes from its main financial backer, the Inter American Development Bank.
The CSP is a pro-active intervention and comes at a time when the world has recognized that crime and violence is a major problem in most countries. Its elements of enriching the lives of citizens in ten less-endowed communities, modernization and capacity building of the Guyana Police Force and the Ministry of Home Affairs were well designed and executed.
And while the Security Strategic Plan received widespread support from stakeholders, including the business community, the misguided few refused to acknowledge any of the initiatives. This again puts into question their mindset and who really are they representing. This Strategic Plan is clear in its intentions: to lift the standards of service provided by key institutions such as the Police, Fire and Prison Services, ultimately benefitting the people of Guyana.
The country has just witnessed the failure of the National Assembly, through the combined opposition, to allow the passage of the Firearms Amendment Bill, an action that can only be described as a travesty. It exposes the double standards and unwillingness of the opposition to effect meaningful change. On one hand, they make a lot of noise about crime and violence, but are not prepared to support efforts to address this issue.
The public should know that there was no attempt by the opposition to debate the Bill; they simply voted NO, because it was piloted by Minister Rohee. By such action, they have once again failed the people of this country.
In a passionate plea for support, the minister said the Bill was essentially to further empower the Police Force with the legal backing in prosecuting persons for gun-related offences. He said that illegal arms (trade) in Guyana have become a major problem and this requires a holistic approach.
A recent Canadian-funded Study concluded that the Region, including Guyana, has been severely impacted with the illegal trade in small arms, with the highest per capita murder rates in the world where some 70% of murders involve small arms.
In looking at the International implications of this situation, Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues- Birket said that this action by the opposition forces the Nation to renege on International Treaty obligations.
She drew reference to the United Nations Charter on arms trade and the current efforts to curb the flow of illegal weapons including that from the Caribbean Security Basin Initiative. The passage of this Bill would have directly addressed UN treaty obligations in Guyana. It is a failure to criminalise the trafficking of firearms as well as the importation of weapon’s parts.
The Nation has learnt by now that Minister Rohee is not someone who is easily cowed and sidetracked. As much as possible, he is pushing ahead with reforms and initiatives in the security sector. He recognizes the linkages with the social architecture and the partnership of all citizens. This is evident in Community Action of the CSP, Community Policing, and a reforming Prison Service with a comprehensive regime to ensure inmates are adequately cared for and there is effective re-integration upon release.
While this Column can elaborate on numerous other interventions, it can take a brief look at involving citizens to assist in crime fighting using popular everyday tools. Through its emerging Integrated Crime Information System, which would greatly enhance the efficiency of the Security Services and the Judiciary, the Online Crime Reporting System is becoming increasingly popular and much success has been reported in both apprehending law-breakers and minimizing their actions.
This is done with the use of everyday technology to which most persons have access. At least one such system is up and running and there will be more.
Minister Rohee is the chief government spokesperson and policy advocate on domestic security. This is a domain that is inherently linked to national development and health. To stymie and frustrate these is tantamount to being unpatriotic. Those pushing this agenda are only focused on the person driving the many initiatives aimed at improvement, efficiency and modernization.
A nation’s security is of paramount importance. People expect to feel safe and secure and they deserve it. Moreover, they expect their elected representatives in Parliament to do all that is necessary to ensure this feeling of comfort.
One does not have to hold any brief for this minister who is spearheading Guyana’s Citizen Programme. This is a programme that from all perspectives is a huge success and one that is recognized as a model for the Region, a recognition which also comes from its main financial backer, the Inter American Development Bank.
The CSP is a pro-active intervention and comes at a time when the world has recognized that crime and violence is a major problem in most countries. Its elements of enriching the lives of citizens in ten less-endowed communities, modernization and capacity building of the Guyana Police Force and the Ministry of Home Affairs were well designed and executed.
And while the Security Strategic Plan received widespread support from stakeholders, including the business community, the misguided few refused to acknowledge any of the initiatives. This again puts into question their mindset and who really are they representing. This Strategic Plan is clear in its intentions: to lift the standards of service provided by key institutions such as the Police, Fire and Prison Services, ultimately benefitting the people of Guyana.
The country has just witnessed the failure of the National Assembly, through the combined opposition, to allow the passage of the Firearms Amendment Bill, an action that can only be described as a travesty. It exposes the double standards and unwillingness of the opposition to effect meaningful change. On one hand, they make a lot of noise about crime and violence, but are not prepared to support efforts to address this issue.
The public should know that there was no attempt by the opposition to debate the Bill; they simply voted NO, because it was piloted by Minister Rohee. By such action, they have once again failed the people of this country.
In a passionate plea for support, the minister said the Bill was essentially to further empower the Police Force with the legal backing in prosecuting persons for gun-related offences. He said that illegal arms (trade) in Guyana have become a major problem and this requires a holistic approach.
A recent Canadian-funded Study concluded that the Region, including Guyana, has been severely impacted with the illegal trade in small arms, with the highest per capita murder rates in the world where some 70% of murders involve small arms.
In looking at the International implications of this situation, Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues- Birket said that this action by the opposition forces the Nation to renege on International Treaty obligations.
She drew reference to the United Nations Charter on arms trade and the current efforts to curb the flow of illegal weapons including that from the Caribbean Security Basin Initiative. The passage of this Bill would have directly addressed UN treaty obligations in Guyana. It is a failure to criminalise the trafficking of firearms as well as the importation of weapon’s parts.
The Nation has learnt by now that Minister Rohee is not someone who is easily cowed and sidetracked. As much as possible, he is pushing ahead with reforms and initiatives in the security sector. He recognizes the linkages with the social architecture and the partnership of all citizens. This is evident in Community Action of the CSP, Community Policing, and a reforming Prison Service with a comprehensive regime to ensure inmates are adequately cared for and there is effective re-integration upon release.
While this Column can elaborate on numerous other interventions, it can take a brief look at involving citizens to assist in crime fighting using popular everyday tools. Through its emerging Integrated Crime Information System, which would greatly enhance the efficiency of the Security Services and the Judiciary, the Online Crime Reporting System is becoming increasingly popular and much success has been reported in both apprehending law-breakers and minimizing their actions.
This is done with the use of everyday technology to which most persons have access. At least one such system is up and running and there will be more.
