CRIME speaks to the breaking of laws, and crime happens in many forms. The crimes apparently prevalent in our society are those of domestic violence, blue collar and white collar crime, racial hostility, and intellectual property rights.There have been, of recent, media reports of persons being robbed of their assets, accompanied by deaths in some cases. There have also been cases of domestic violence and cases of racial hostility that have resulted in deaths. The issue of property rights theft happens in plain sight and on a daily basis, thus the passing of modern copyright laws will play a significant role in arresting this problem.

The recent killing of a young woman allegedly at the hands of her child’s father — aside from the gruesome and apparently deliberate manner in which it was executed, and the efforts made to conceal the act — communicates to this nation that work has to be intensified to address this scourge. Our society has to reach that stage — and it requires the input of all: the family, agents of civil society, and the government -– where a new and concerted effort is cultivated to deal with domestic violence. The society must, as a matter of urgency, help our men and women to understand that manhood and womanhood are not threatened when one walks away from a relationship that has gone sour. Where child abuse, including paedophiliac behaviour, occurs, our children must feel assured that society will protect them, and not the villain, regardless of how connected that villain may be.

As these crimes are discussed in the media, social and formal, it need not be forgotten that victims, whether they have come public or not, are watching and assessing how the society is dealing with the matter. The manner in which these cases are dealt with will either contribute to halting the depravity or fostering its continuation if the abusers feel protected or empowered, or where victims hold the view that society is crucifying them for acts that should never have happened to them.

Support structures, be they education, legal aid or shelter, also have to be considered key factors in bringing about crucial behavioural change. Contrary to the erroneous perception promulgated in a certain song, eternal love does not constitute blackin’-up anybody’s eyes or bruisin’ up their knees, killing them, or doing something similarly unsavoury. If “love doesn’t live there anymore”, let the partner be allowed to leave with his/her dignity intact. It is an abuse to hold a person against his/her will, or to ill-treat a person, even if such is done to manage image or perception.

A few days ago, Ramada Princes Hotel was robbed. This act was accompanied by gun violence which saw five persons being shot, including a police officer who has been hospitalised. The police later made known that a security guard was allegedly among those who had planned the crime. Apart from, in this instance, the betrayal by someone entrusted by an employer to safeguard the property, the shooting of a police officer exemplifies the danger our men and women in uniform face daily when putting their lives on the line to keep us safe.

Of concern is that too many guns are still on the streets, and the amnesty afforded gun owners, although having netted some success, may need to be revisited; or other ways may need to be explored to get weapons away from those not licensed to carry them, or using them for the wrong purpose. The killing of a Good Hope, East Bank Essequibo husband and wife, who allegedly were burnt alive by intruders, and the Parika businessman who was robbed and killed are other instances of moral decline. As the police continue their investigations, a breakthrough has reportedly been had, and a close associate (ex-lover) is allegedly involved.

None should treat life as though it is expendable and get away with it. Neither should any think they can rob the State and be let off the hook, receive protection, or continue to occupy certain positions. When these acts are condoned, a clear message is sent that what obtains in the society is a free-for-all, and this will embolden others.

Addressing crime is the responsibility of all. The Public Security Minister is responsible for crafting policies to eliminate and contain crime, and the police execute those policies consistent with the law; but fighting crime is a function of society — be it in the instance of poverty, moral decadence, corruption; or its perception, real or contrived, that the connected and well-off can walk free. There is no political utility in capitalising on the misfortune of others, because in an environment where one is threatened, all are threatened.