On Traffic – And Politicians at Sport
Admittedly, these are, in the main, recycled thoughts from an earlier column on the issues published four years ago.
So little has changed for the better that, often, one wants to give up. But no, one has to persevere even for just motivating thought or, better still, getting results for the society’s greater good. So I’m repeating, sharing my views on one basic element of our national security and protection and that is what every little police station, in village or town, should have.
You know the issue. Elsewhere (out of our big beautiful blighted land) requirements, resources, expectations are routinely met. There, it is a given, a taken-for-granted norm that a police station must be equipped with basic-and more sophisticated necessities in order to function in the citizens’ interest. Normal and straight-forward, right? Not in our poor land!
The Big Picture
As with most issues of national significance I am told that, in the matter of crime-fighting and security, I should consider first the context, the larger picture.
Hence we are to consider National Security Plans and reports, stakeholder consultations, root causes, overseas assistance and training, crime fighting legislation – all elements of “the larger picture.”
I take the (official) point. The Master Plan(s) are necessary national blueprints. However, side by side – and immediately – I call for these emergency “little pictures”.
“Fully accepting the fact that no President, no political party, no Police Commissioner or force, no army or security service, must less the much-touted community policing groups(s ), can ever hope to match the well planned sudden surprise attack of any AK-47’s, I say that we, as law-abiding citizens, deserve certain basic, minimum standards and services at our police stations. Beginning yesterday, the government must provide the wherewithal to make this possible.
(Even as we debate the conventional wisdom that dictates that “security is everybody’s business.”)
Every “Little” station….
Of course, the first requirement of the Police Station (in the village and remote hinterland outpost) is staff. Proper salaries could attract suitable recruits who can benefit from appropriate training. Every station needs its full complement of manpower by day and night.
And until our plans provide for National Militias or guardsmen who can be trusted not to collaborate with bandits, we have to depend on the honest policemen amongst us. But what do they deserve during their work-day.
Simply, but significantly every little police-station or outpost would have the capacity either to respond rapidly or cause responses to desperate situations and appeals. No little station at Sophia, Bartica, Vigilance, Alness, Orealla, Wismar, Sisters, Dem Amstel or Johanna Cecila should be expected to have AK 47s such as the marauding murders move with.
Therefore each Police location should have one or two vehicles, security cameras, telephones of all types and appropriate radios with special lines to other security agencies – and a few special allies in each community.
Too much to ask? Not in this day and age! Not in the light of wanton attacks by savvy criminals who strike at will because they know what police can do and cannot now hope to do. So barring insider – collaborators, let us provide for the good cops left at these locations. Give the stations lights and lamps, generators, bullet proof protection and secure perimeter fences.
Frankly Speaking, I know that much of the above is obvious and reads a little redundant. But, my fellow sitting-ducks Guyanese, the truth is that our little police stations across the length and breadth of our coastlands and elsewhere do not “enjoy” these life-protecting security basics. Along with the long-term plans, let the aid and assistance provide the basics now!
I’ll not even repeat here my current calls for the use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) Satellite – assisted tracking to pinpoint every nook and cranny of every community. Google maps located my old house in Georgetown. The time is now for a police station at Alness, Annandale and Agricola to have a map and computer images of every business-place, cemetery and escape backdam route which criminals can target. Please this is not rocket-science these days. Use the funding wisely, Minister.
Traffic accidents, “sporting” politicians
Now here is my perennial, ever-lasting suggestion, always proferred after horrific mini-bus accidents. Extreme circumstances must attract extreme measures.
I say that when a mini-bus is caught speeding or overloaded, everyone in that bus, yes, all the passengers too, should be prosecuted and fined heavily.
You bet that, in quick time, a travelling culture will develop whereby no conductor and driver will be able to bully twelve or thirteen other human beings. Which passenger would want to be fined $10,000.00 because two servants speed, overcrowd or play loud, lewd music? Try it, Government!
The old PR/Propagandist? Elections Campaign Adviser in me smiles when I see the (government politicians at big sporting and popular entertainment events. Work the thousands; fund the sportsmen who care not where the cash flows from. (It’s their taxes anyhow!)
Even if no votes will be guaranteed the pre-election image is secured. Look for the contenders at these events.
Come on Opposition! Sponsor a cricket tournament, a football series and/or a Rihanna/Usher mega concert. Even if you have to engage well-known front-men! The campaign is on y’all!
Ponder…
*1) Name five things ruling politicians fear to lose when their parties are defeated at elections.
*2) Write down ten things politicians hope to achieve if they get into power. (Do not list “serving the people”).
*3) Postponed ‘til soon: “Glimpses of Guyanese Justice”.
*4) Beautiful but provocative piece by Dr. Ian this past Sunday: The extra lessons syndrome, the anxiety of parents which now denies “children” their very childhood. I had long recognized that, so that my girls were never burdened. But hey Ian, the sensible rich still send their young ones on “vacations”. Along with the lessons…But it’s still a tragedy here.
*5) The American accent and sound will make you go to GuyExpo.
‘Til next week!
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