The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) through engagements with affiliates and reports in the media as well as posts on social media cannot help, at this time, but be concerned by what appears to be rising spate of criminality in our society. We have seen also media reports which illustrate, from police statistics, that crime is on the decline. Those conclusions, it seems, does not corroborate with the reality on the ground. Whether all crimes are actually reported is something that should be verified. If it is the case that our people have decided not to report such acts, it says a lot in our view, about the confidence in those charged with maintenance of public order and security.
The FITUG has seen, in practically all corners of our country, reports about people being the victims of crime. Some incidents, we note too, have resulted in the untimely death of victims. This is a situation we can neither condone nor be happy about. At this time, we well recognize that our people are genuinely afraid about whether they will be the next victim. This is not the state-of-mind that our people should ever have to contend with.
The brazenness and means used by those involved in criminality have also evoked our concerns as well. On this note, we have seen several instances of surveillance footage appearing in the media and elsewhere which, in some cases, clearly depict the aggressors. Notwithstanding such exposure, it seems to us, those engaged in criminal acts are not deterred. This again is another cause for concern. Is it a case that those involved in such acts, though apparently known, are not afraid of the repercussion of their acts? If this is indeed the case, we ask why?
The Federation has also seen pronouncements from the Minister of Public Security on the situation. From the Minister’s utterances, we cannot help but conclude that he is at sea when it comes to grasping with the gravamen of the situation at hand. It appears that the Minister may need assistance from his colleagues who have experience in the security sector. Moreover, we believe, there is need for a concerted plan to address the situation at hand and bring reprieve to our people who must contend with various criminal activities. The need for a safe and secure society cannot be underscored. The need for our people to have peace of mind is important on so many fronts. We look to the Government, obviously, to provide such an environment where our people can feel confident that they can be in their homes or go about their business with the least of fear.
