Dear Editor,

IT is important for us as Guyanese to give credit where credit is due. As I reflect on the tenure of the APNU+AFC, one thing is clear: the Coalition failed miserably at addressing crime in Guyana. Recent statistics will point to the fact that ever since the PPP/C government came into office in August 2020, crime rates have declined significantly. In fact, Guyana’s serious crimes decreased by 34.97 per cent. Recent reports show that for the period January to March 2021, there was a total of 450 serious crimes, which is a decline from the 692 serious crimes recorded under the same period for 2020 under the APNU+AFC. Notably, areas such as robbery under arms decreased from 240 in 2020 to 142 in 2021; robbery with aggravation from 24 in 2020 to five in 2021; larceny from 39 in 2020 to 11 in 2021; and burglary from 45 in 2020 to 16 in 2021. These statistics show that the PPP/C government is indeed prioritising public security and I commend such efforts. One of the things that cannot be overlooked is the fact that the PPP/C government is actively working towards strengthening the Guyana Police Force.

I have interacted with many police officers, some of whom I share close friendships with as well, and one of the things that they would speak of regularly is the fact that since the new government assumed office, there is a renewed sense of confidence among crime- fighting ranks in the force. Under the APNU+AFC Coalition government, morale amongst these ranks was at its lowest. They were scared to go after criminals owing to the posture of the then government. There was the view that criminals had more rights than the police.
As citizens we must all show our commitment and provide the necessary support to the hardworking, crime-fighting ranks. Crime affects us all not just businesses and the government. We must therefore redouble our efforts. In this regard I urge the now APNU+AFC Coalition opposition to give the necessary support to our law-enforcement ranks and refrain from postures which diminish their efforts and morale.

Yours respectfully,

Erin Northe