Dear Editor,
I wasn’t surprised at the way the security guard’s gun was taken away during a robbery at Beterverwagting, but I surely hoped that the perpetrators are quickly apprehended and the gun recovered before it is used wrongfully. Over the years, I did pen my concerns regarding the various security services just appearing and giving these young men high-powered guns. To obtain one as a security guard, one becomes a member of a security service and goes to Eve Leary for two days of training to handle a firearm. Then you’re given a paper allowing you to hold a firearm. If you’re an ex-police or military, you’re automatically eligible. Many of these young men are not trained in self-defense in hand-to-hand combat or how to protect the gun they’re carrying. The security services themselves are not encouraging or providing any training facilities for them. Added to that, especially at the Chinese Supermarkets, a security guard commences duty from the time the store opens until it closes, which is between 12-15 hours without relief or lunch hour and that could be mentally unsettling. It is time that security services provide a gym/training area and on one working day per week, mandate security guards to exercise and train.
Editor, a few months ago, I communicated with a friend associated with the management of one security firm and expressed my concerns and observations. Thursday night, hanging out with a close friend in front of a supermarket at Goed Fortuin, I again raised the issue and my friend thinks that thieves would be scared to attack any heavily armed security guard. The very next day, we saw the video. Government officials need to look into the affairs of security officers and what transpires throughout the day. Are they being paid enough? Are they overworked? In most places you go, especially Chinese Supermarkets, the security could be seen doing the work of labourers, fetching heavy objects/loads in/out of the supermarket, to and from vehicles, and during the process, the guns are slung on their backs or sides, which leaves them vulnerable. Some could be seen measuring, weighing and so on for customers. I guess their scope of duties varies, depending on where they work. Finally Editor, as I’ve told my friend, if you go and purchase a drink for a security guard (sometimes they ask), and form a conversation with them, there are many things one could learn which would be quite revealing.
Sincerely,
Sahadeo Bates
