It also throws up the need for a further assessment of the anti-crime strategies that have been employed so far.

The kidnapping of the U.S. Embassy official followed the daylight kidnapping of two Trinidadians while they were working on projects for the Guyana Water Inc. near Buxton on the East Coast Demerara.

Trinidad has also been experiencing a spate of kidnappings and, if they have not yet done so, authorities here would be expected to work out a joint approach with the officials in the twin-island republic on combating the scourge.

The reported presence here of a team of anti-kidnapping and other special forces experts of the U.S. following the Saturday kidnap of the embassy official could also prove of invaluable assistance to local security and other officials in charge of the anti-crime campaign.

It is time that all stakeholders are brought in and all avenues explored to refine the anti-crime strategies employed to date.

Guyana should also be seeking all assistance it can get from friendly countries for this fight as a matter of priority - especially now that nationals of other countries working and living here are among the targets of the kidnapping gangs.

The security forces have undertaken several exercises on the East Coast in a bid to end the crime wave but these have clearly not had the desired success.

Residents in several East Coast villages continue to live in fear of marauding gangs and minibuses and other vehicles travelling along the main road through Buxton are regularly attacked and passengers robbed.

A more all-encompassing approach is required if the situation is to be brought under control and the Government, law enforcement officials, civil society, political parties and other stakeholders have to link forces in a common front.