The National Steering Committee on Crime held its last two public consultations on Thursday at the University of Guyana and the Critchlow Labour College. The consultations were organised to solicit recommendations from the public to alleviate the escalating crime currently gripping Guyana.
A release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) stated that the discussions at the forum focussed on the link between levels of education and criminal behaviour. Some of the participants expressed the opinion that the level of education is one of the main contributing factors to criminal behaviour. According to the participants, a high level of education would cause persons to strive to elevate themselves rather than turn to the world of crime.
Among the recommendations submitted, was the upgrading of the level of education of teachers since they were “moulding the nation”. It was also recommended that attention be paid to the diminishing respect for teachers.
According to GINA the participants also expressed the need for increased patrols in villages throughout the country and for additional police ranks to be stationed at Police Stations, especially at nights.
The participants also recommended that ranks be deployed at strategic points on the main thoroughfares, in an attempt to curb the lawlessness on the roads. It was also suggested that traffic police be deployed at intersections where there is a heavy flow of traffic. They also raised the issue of enhancing the image of the Police Force by addressing the confidentiality issue.
The National Steering Committee on Crime was established following the National Consultation on Crime organised by the Office of the President on August 22, 2002. The Committee comprises members of political parties and representatives of civil society, including the Private Sector, the Trades Union Congress (TUC), religious organisations and the legal fraternity. According to GINA, at the end of the consultations, a report will be prepared and submitted to President Bharrat Jagdeo and upon the Committee’s approval, the recommendations will be implemented.