Rise in arson

ARSON is a criminal act of deliberately setting fire to property. Within the past few months there have been a series of alleged arson to homes and businesses with estimated damage worth billions of dollars. Arson has a negative impact whether it is committed against commercial enterprises or residential properties.
At the commercial level it brings about economic dislocation and impact on the financial wellbeing of those who are affected. Such losses also adversely impact the community within which the businesses are located and the dependency of those who rely on its service. For the residential properties arson brings with it displacement and separation of family, where some may have to seek refuge at different locations. Such acts also result in the loss of material possessions, the achievements of which came through sacrifices and accumulation overtime. On Monday yet another building (house) was razed in a suspected act of arson.
Arson brings about setbacks. Every property that suffers from arson impacts on societal wellbeing. For instance, the alleged arson that took place at Gafoors Enterprise last October, which was said to have been rebuilt to the tune of US$2M and contained $US2M in stocks, had direct and indirect impact on the economy, employment and economic opportunities, however temporary. In the case of the Buxton bakery which was razed last month, the owner was counting over $10M in damage and 30 workers would have become unemployed. Outside of financial loses the emergence of speculation as to who was or were behind these acts, the quiet naming of persons, and the deepening of rift among competitors in the business community could not have helped positive relations.
Every case of arson is an act of not only threatening the economic existence of business, family or person, but also the foundation of the rule of law, which society is built on, and must be safeguarded at all times. Given that such acts result in the destruction of property, it threatens each and every one and needs to be treated from this perspective. The individual who owns the property cannot be allowed to make the decision as to whether such matter ought to be prosecuted. For such act did not only threaten his or her life and property, or those residing in the immediate environment where it was committed, but also respect for the rule of law.
Arson is not a civil act against a person but a criminal act which must be pursued by the State. Criminal acts are acts of intentional harm against individuals, but which in a larger sense are offenses against all of us. For instance, the neighbour’s property during the time of the fire also stood the risk of being destroyed, and in trying to secure his property, also had to work to help save the property that was been targeted.
Every time there is a fire the Guyana Fire Service is called upon and expected to respond. This requires the use of manpower, water, and equipment which are unnecessary costs borne by the State, given that the act was deliberately committed with the aim of bringing destruction to property. This type of wastage impacts all.

It is important that the State sends a strong signal to those who contemplate or utilise arson to resolve differences or any other matter; that such is never the proper approach. Sending such a signal could aid people in understanding that their dealing with issues must be confined within the parameters of the law. No person should think vigilante justice is the best approach or will find acceptance in our society.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp
All our printed editions are available online
emblem3
Subscribe to the Guyana Chronicle.
Sign up to receive news and updates.
We respect your privacy.