THE crime situation is getting out of control. Every day we have reports of robbery assaults, shooting and even murders. It is very worrying and people are living in fear. We need action by the Police. It has to be stopped. Here are some suggestions:

1) Increase Police patrols all around the city and in towns and country areas. Mobilise vehicles from other ministries and even the private sector and have these vehicles up and down, especially at nights. They must have radio communication or at least cellphones, constantly making contact with the stations.
2) Stop-and-search operations must be carried out by all major Police stations along the coast such as Providence, Sparendaam, Mahaica, Albion, Leonora and other places. Vehicles must be stopped and searched. There must be clear signs that it is a Police operation. Suspicious vehicles and persons must be fully checked out at both the Demerara and Berbice Bridges after the peak hours of the day. Checks must be done on one side of the crossing.
3) Joint patrols between the Army and the Police must take place.
4) 911 and telephones at stations must be in working order.
5) Quick response. There must be a working vehicle with armed officers at Police stations to respond and not ask for transportation.
6) The Community Policing Groups must be more active and visible.
7) Groups of people loitering must be broken up or the people arrested.

The crime situation is stopping Guyanese visiting Guyana and making many persons thinking of leaving. This is not good enough.

A special programme must be worked out for motorcyclists and for special radios on places where criminals hang out. We need action now!

CHANDRA NARINE SHARMA
Managing Director of CNS Channel 6
Leader of the Justice for All Party
Former Chairman of CPG