A few days ago, it was reported that Kerry Sears was killed by motorcycle robbers in Eccles. Sears, a driver was on duty when he stopped to speak to another driver. As the men were conversing, they were attacked by four men who arrived on motorcycles to not only rob them, but others who were working on the road under construction. Sears put up a fight and suffered a stab wound to the chest which caused his death. It was reported that the men who were present with Sears, were taken into police custody for questioning.
The prevalence of violent crimes has been an issue in Guyana for decades and there is no end in sight. With many unsolved murders, daily robberies and known perpetrators who are free, we appear to be a society that enables and protects criminals. But the leading criminals in Guyana, we know are not motorcycle robbers. White-collar criminals have influence on enabling an environment where the poorest and often illiterate are desperate for relevance and survival.
Violent crimes such as the murders of Joel and Isaiah Henry are still unsolved. This week the skeletal remains of police officer Quincy Lewis were found. He was missing since June of 2020. The couple who are accused of his murder are on the run. We cannot say that we have full confidence in the police protecting us as there have been murders such as that of Quindon Bacchus and Orin Boston that were committed by police. There are those who try to justify police killings, but if those who are there to serve and protect us instead harm and kill us, how can we have confidence in them?
While there are those who have doubted the accuracy of the story about it being motorcycle robbers that killed Sears, we know that motorcycle gangs are present and engaged in criminal activities. However, not every young man who is seen on a motorcycle riding recklessly is a criminal. Some of them are thrill-seekers who seem not to care about their safety or that of others. We see them daily, speeding and many not wearing helmets. Where are the indications of intelligence when we repeat the patterns that have been fatal for many?
But many Guyanese road users, the reckless motorcyclists or drivers believe that even though there are daily accidents in Guyana and people are dying, they are such experts that it will never happen to them. It was less than a month ago that someone I know lost their son who crashed on a motorcycle. If we could see the afterlife that many believe exist, it would be interesting to listen to the stories of the dead who were culpable in their deaths and that of others on Guyana’s roads and hear if they have any regrets.
The motorcycle robbers have been operating in Guyana for years. A few years ago, motorcycle robbers were involved in the frequent robbing of citizens who would have left the bank with significant amounts of cash – they rob people in the streets – people sitting in their vehicles have been robbed – no one is safe when some are desperate.
A couple of weeks ago I was present when a young man said that his brother was convicted for robbery. His mother said that he bought a motorcycle, had no documents for it and would leave at nights. As parents it is our duty to investigate what is going on in the lives of our children especially if we suspect that they may be involved in criminal activities. Many would say that it is failed parenting that leads many young men to committing crimes. Some would blame the lack of role models. There are parents who sit comfortably while they inherit the fruits of their children’s crimes but will cry bitterly if their crimes lead to their deaths. We must admit that there are too many broken families in Guyana, but sometimes there are those, even though they may come from decent families, who believe that crime is the fastest way to make money.
Whether the motorcycle robbers were children left behind, whether they have turned to crime because they cannot find work to adequately pay them, whether their criminal activities are to supplement their poor wages or whether it is that they cannot find work, it is concerning that it is a means of survival for many of these young men.
I am sure that Kerry Sears did not leave his home that day expecting to be killed. It is hurtful to families and the society when people’s lives are senselessly ended.
President Ali announced that the government is exploring importing skilled foreign workers because with the expansion of the economy there have been difficulties sourcing skilled workers. It is telling when a country that does not pay living wages to the average citizen which contributes to the high crime rate is considering seeking workers from abroad. There are many unemployed young people in this country and unfortunately some of them are motorcycle robbers. Will the skilled workers who are brought from overseas be paid the low wages that many Guyanese are paid? Can there not be a campaign to develop the skills of young people in Guyana, to fill these positions that we believe we need foreigners for? Wouldn’t it make sense to appeal to those who live in this country who might be unemployed, seeking a better way of life or believe that there are no other means than criminal activities? Yes, we know that there are criminals who will never take opportunities that are available, for they prefer their criminal way of life and perhaps do not mind the harsh conditions of Guyana’s prisons. However, every effort should be exhausted to train, employ, and adequately pay Guyanese before we decide to bring thousands of foreigners. And once that is done and there is still a shortage, we know that Guyanese are in many countries working, so we cannot be upset with people coming to work here.
In this economic boom that some are speaking of, many are falling apart and losing hope because it has not impacted their lives for the better. Some of those motorcycle robbers are a part of that flock. But we know that they are not the greatest threats to this society. It is the hands that pat our heads like we are little children while stealing our country’s wealth, the disregard for the average Guyanese, those who stand for nothing, but only self-interests, ones whose voices were once loud in calling out corruption but are now silent because their bread is well buttered and the reluctance of the people to stand together, to demand a better Guyana. What is a man who sits in the face of corruption or exploitation, endorses, or pretends it doesn’t exist? With all the wealth some are acquiring in Guyana, while others are becoming poorer and resorting to motorcycle robberies and other criminal activities, we must be vigilant. Now is the time for us to unite and speak.
