The Federation of Inde-pendent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) yesterday said that despite the constraints faced by law enforcement, greater ef-forts can be made to contain, reduce and eventually stamp out violent crime and it stands ready to assist in these pursuits.
“While we recognise that our law-enforcement personnel are hard-pressed by today’s criminal enterprise, we hold the view that much can be done within the existing parameters to make a greater positive impact on crime fighting,” the union umbrella body said in a press release.
According to FITUG, its concern over the worsening crime situation stems from anxieties the situation is causing its membership, families and entire communities.
The group is convinced that no society can promote national development to the fullest if the population feels insecure. “Guyanese homes and businesses must always be safe havens,” the group said, while also noting that the prevalence of crime discourages both local and foreign investment. “Seemingly, crime is widespread and may require a national effort today,” it added.
Towards this end, FITUG said it stands ready to assist in crime prevention and crime fighting efforts.
“We have high expectations that the perpetrators of crimes will be brought to justice and soon we will see the unmistakable indications that the situation has significantly improved,” it added.
FITUG said it believes that the current spike in violent crime calls for increased and intensified police activities pursued within the confines of the law.
“More activities, to be sure, would require resources and training. With this in mind, we would support at this time that the Ministry of Public Security would make reasonable resources as required available,” it said, while adding that the ministry may also want to take “initiatives beyond law enforcement” to complement policing efforts though these must be sustained and not employed in fits and starts.
