GUYANA may proudly boast of being one of the world’s developing countries which has demonstrated an unwavering resolve to the eradication of terrorism. Guyana’s unequivocal position against the scourge of terrorism of all kinds has become increasingly evident, particularly after the APNU+AFC Government was elected to office in mid-2015.

While that resolve is certainly the result of several complex factors, one notes that our country’s Head of State, President David Arthur Granger, was once the head of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) with the rank of Brigadier. One notes, too, that President Granger has repeatedly emphasised his administration’s absolute commitment to democratic ideals, the rule of law, and respect for life. Considering those cornerstones upon which the APNU+AFC coalition is working to build its governance-structure, Guyana’s stance against trans-national crime, including terrorism, is expected and welcomed.

Terrorism is the intentional use of indiscriminate violence to create fear or terror among masses of people to achieve an objective, usually, of a religious or political nature. The term is used primarily to refer to violence during peacetime, or in war, against non-combatants. Simply put, it is the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of (political) aims.

Guyana’s unambiguous position has not changed, and, considering the positions articulated by President Granger, is likely to remain unwavering. One of the APNU+AFC’s first actions after assuming office was the passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act. That law, passed in June 2015, was intended to, among other noble objectives, stop the supply of money to terrorists. Regarding the legislation’s passage, President Granger said, “Guyana is not only part of the regional fight against money laundering and terrorist financing, but is fit to fight, with the passage of robust legislation.” Following its initial passage, the Act has been amended four times in a span of three years. The amendments to the principal legislation were intended to strengthen the law in line with international expectations.

In December 2015, the APNU+AFC government piloted the passage of the Anti-Terrorism and Terrorist Related Activities Bill. As he introduced the Bill in the National Assembly, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, told the House that the Bill seeks to help Guyana join the fight against an enemy of the world—terrorism. He said that the legislation comes at a time when terrorism stalks the world. He stressed to the opposition that the National Assembly should provide a united front on the issue. The bill was passed into law despite the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) vociferous opposition to the measure. The PPP said that the legislative initiative was too “draconian.” The Act prescribed stern penalties for any conduct, attempted-conduct, or intended-conduct of any act of terrorism.

The people of Guyana, generally, should logically support any initiative intended to protect human safety, preserve human life, and ensure social stability and security, including those against terrorism. After all, Guyanese would have been glued to their television sets as the horrific events of September 11, 2001 — the day that changed the world — unfolded in the United States. The non-support of the PPP, therefore, came as something of a surprise to many right-thinking citizens. Many Guyanese would certainly have welcomed support of the initiative by the PPP, as they welcomed the fact that the Anti-Terrorism and Terrorist Related Activities Bill received the full support of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the Guyana Bar Association, and the Banking Sector, when a public consultation was held on December 28, 2015, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

Government’s commitment to fighting terrorism begins at the very top of the APNU+AFC administration. At the Arab-Islamic-American Summit 2017 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, President David Granger explained why countries such as Guyana must be involved in the fight. The president noted that global partnerships to combat terrorism cannot exclude small states, since the conflict between and within such states, or between a small state and other states, can endanger the peace of all countries. His Excellency said, “Small states like Guyana, lacking the means to combat transnational threats such as terrorism, must be able to rely on the protection afforded through international cooperation, multilateralism and international law.” Evidently, Guyana’s Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces envisions a major role for Guyana in the global fight against terrorist threats. It is equally evident that, although much progress has been made, the world has a long way to go towards ensuring the safety of its various peoples.

Although Guyanese may take pride in the fact that the international community, including the US, has praised government’s efforts and accomplishments, unfortunately, it was with much sadness that this publication and others recently reported another act of terrorism against the people of Sri Lanka. Last Easter Sunday, more than 250 people were killed and at least 500 more were wounded in a series of coordinated bombings in that country.
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo was quick to condemn the terrorist massacre.

In a statement, the prime minister said: “The cowardly attacks against Churches on Easter Sunday, and the wanton killing of Christian worshippers, including children and mothers; and the bombing of hotels that claimed the lives of foreign tourists, speak to a deadly terror insanity against which the world should be united, now.” He added: “All peace-loving Guyanese, who are today observing Easter as a national holiday, share with shock and sadness, the grief and loss of the people of Sri Lanka, and nationals of other countries who are victims of those horrible terrorist attacks. We mourn with the people of Sri Lanka, the relatives of the innocent victims and survivors, and feel their anger and fears.” As the world continues to combat acts of terrorism, the Guyana Chronicle stands by President Granger and his administration in support of His Excellency’s declared position against such criminal activities.