The Association of Regional Chambers of Commerce (ARCC) “condemns the mass execution” at Lusignan adding that in the light of the most recent allegations of a poor response from the Guyana Police Force government must overhaul the emergency response apparatus.
In a press release, ARCC Chairman Daniel Gajie said government must “immediately revisit and overhaul our country’s emergency and repaid response plan.” This should also include the ambulance and fire services “which also continue to be extremely poor” in their delivery of service.
The ARCC said there needs to be an immediate revamping of the 911 emergency call centre; providing modern equipment and training for persons to effectively man the 24-hour centre. Persons managing the centre must be trained to handle all situations and be knowledgeable of the rapid response team’s location and contact information. The government should also immediately consider buying or leasing a suitably equipped helicopter to respond to emergency calls and conduct patrols, the group said.
It said too community policing groups (CPGs) must be trained and provided with protective gear, weapons and vehicles to assist the Joint Services in protecting their families and communities. The benefits of this are two fold the ARCC said: it will enhance communities’ confidence about their safety and more persons will be willing to join CPGs. The group said too the CPGs must maintain a continuous visible presence on roadways and in villages that are deemed to be vulnerable even when incidents of crime appear to be “under control”.
In closing the ARCC said the Lusignan scenario paints a frightening image of our country and all the good work done over the years to promote it as a safe and friendly tourist attraction will have come to naught. It said too potential investors will not be willing to put money into a country which is helpless and vulnerable at the hands of criminals.
Meanwhile, the ARCC extended its deepest sympathy to the relatives and friends of those who perished at Lusignan.
