Dear Editor,
A new store has been robbed that had no adequate security provisions and the proprietor attributes this action to what he feels is our continued economic problems and this whole Value Added Tax thing and fears that crime will only increase.
When will Guyanese learn that prevention is better than hope? Was there no crime before VAT? Are all poor people committing crimes? Did any of the Guyanese businessmen or individuals ever consider pooling resources with neighbouring businesses or homes to protect each other in a more cost effective and efficient way? Has anyone looked at the record of security services that guarded businesses that were robbed to see whether they deserve future hiring? Is anyone questioning what measures are employed by security companies in safeguarding their assigned premises? Are they sleeping, socializing or patrolling? Are there any checks from the company to see if all is well throughout the shift?
These are simple questions but necessary in a country that seems to be incapable of doing simple things (like not keeping valuables in one place) to avoid being robbed or losing everything they have, even their lives. When will the police adopt a strategy to deal with recurring piracy and the robbing of foreign visitors? And while we are asking questions, when will Guyanese attempt to mark items or record serial numbers of equipment that could be stolen, so they can be easily identified if recovered?
Yours faithfully,
(name and address supplied)
