Dear Editor,
The opportunity to report crimes via the internet is a great leap forward for crime-fighting in this country. It is definitely cost effective and extremely useful. It is the Minister of Home Affairs, with his keen sense of management and foresight who has decided to institute this. It was a pleasure to see the advertisement in the daily newspapers and then the report in the media of the new online method of reporting crimes, even using a BlackBerry or other cell phone to forward photos to the Crime Stoppers, who in turn will inform the relevant authorities. With a Blackberry even moving pictures could be sent. Congratulations to the Minister are indeed in order.
It is time also that the security companies look to ensure that all their personnel are trained in the use of the internet, and the need to be responsible as citizens of the county and as private law enforcers, since Guyanese now have the unique opportunity to own a laptop in every home. This will enhance the programme being established by the Minister of Home Affairs, as more and more people will become internet and computer savvy. This will be further enhanced with the installation of the government’s fiber-optic cable. I find this most commendable because many people cannot afford the monthly charges for internet services, security guards included. My company RK’s Guyana Security Services is setting up systems to teach all ranks who are not computer literate to become so, and we hope to help their children as well.
It is now time that every community, every neighbourhood patrol and community policing group be provided with the most effective vehicle possible for bad roads and good roads, interior, locations, hilly locations, village roads and backdams, which should also be the most cost effective to maintain and operate. Low cost vehicles are now available in this country for all terrains, and can transport as many as seven to ten people at one time, and give 140Km to the gallon. The Guyana Police Force has one such vehicle. It cost just over half a million dollars, versus three and four and five and six million for some vehicles. With this new arrangement to report crimes via the internet, more vehicles will be needed. Of course communities should cooperate, have decent fundraisers or collections, and donate to the patrol team in their neighbourhoods.
Yours faithfully,
Roshan Khan
