IN the aftermath of a rash of arsons and attempts in recent weeks, Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan had urged members of the public to keep an eye out for persons seeking to destroy the country’s national landmarks or other properties, and to make reports to the police if they have knowledge that such plans are afoot.
His appeal came one day after fire was set to the Lusignan Prison, as well as the Umana Yana. “We have asked all Disciplined Forces, and we are also asking members of the public to have an eye out on all of these mischief-makers, who they can then inform the police about,” Ramjattan said, adding: “That can help. We just cannot have our 4,000 or 5,000 policemen all across the country just looking after public infrastructure; that requires the help of the citizenry, too. And whatever information that the citizenry has in relation to potential arson, potential destruction of buildings, malicious damage to property, we would like to hear from them.”

Reports coming out of the attempted arson indicate that a female rank of the Guyana Police Force was on duty when she observed a man scaling the north-eastern fence of the compound with what appeared to be a bottle in his hand. The man was subsequently seen running to the western side of the building, where he set the lower branches to the roof of the Umana Yana on fire. The constable, in an attempt to apprehend the man, ran in his direction and subsequently used a fire extinguisher to put out the flames. However, the suspect made good his escape on foot in the eastern direction away from the building. The attempted arson had also followed the successful torching of the motorcar of well-known journalist, Travis Chase, and the attempted arson at the Suddie Magistrates’ Court the week before. Ramjattan said: “The actual security forces are on very high alert, and that has been since elections time. Elections have not been completed; we are almost there, and to that extent, then we would just urge members of the public to help in that regard.”

Arson is a criminal act of deliberately setting fire to property. Arson has a negative impact, whether it is committed against commercial enterprises, State properties or residential properties. At the commercial level, it brings about economic dislocation and impact on the financial well-being 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 sacrifice and accumulation over time. On Sunday, yet another attack was made, this time on the Guyana Human Rights Association’s headquarters on Hadfield Street.

Arson brings about setbacks. Every property that suffers from arson impacts on societal well-being.
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, upon which society is built, 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 the 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 us 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.