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Dear Editor,
If one is to take President Jagdeo's recent fulminations on crime, security, and politics at the sacred Babu John Memorial site seriously, one would believe that there is no government and leadership in Guyana. The President's analysis is that the real power is growing out of the barrels of guns held in the hands of a guerrilla force operating under the auspices of the opposition parties of Guyana. The nation expects that the Head-of-State and Commander in-Chief will display greater strength in times of national upheaval and not be given to irresponsible and unsubstantiated outbursts. To date, there are approximately thirty opposition parties intending to contest the upcoming elections. To believe that one or more of them may be involved in unlawful, insurrectionist activities is a serious charge which must be fully investigated and proven, failing which, an apology should be issued forthwith.
Certainly, in Guyana we have seen a remarkable increase in the level and frequencies of crimes all of which have certain common features namely, the use of force and the use of weapons, including the lethal AK-47 assault rifle. The question is whether these crimes, as they are still described, have a political motive or edge to them. In October, 2004, the Commissioner of Police made remarks to suggest that the criminal elements on the East Coast had a political agenda. This sentiment is now being echoed by the President. If what they say is true then we are in serious trouble and something must be done urgently and immediately to avert the coming anarchy. Insurgencies take root and thrive where there are governments that are incompetent, corrupt, and place continued enjoyment of power ahead of making changes and reforms that would negate the insurgent's appeal. Most experts agree that a viable insurgency has three defining characteristics:
1. It is organized as seen from signs of planning, a hierarchy of command, and a distribution of function within its ranks.
2. It relies on armed force to advance its cause. This armed force is usually deployed in the countryside.
3. The activity is not a brief affair, but lasts for years.
A cursory examination of Guyana's circumstances establishes the presence of one or more of these characteristics. This in itself does not point to any political agenda to remove the existing government, or to re-arrange the political status quo. Experts have been careful to point to the fact that criminal gangs involved in kidnappings, narco-trafficking, and robbery are just as organized, and can also have the self same characteristics as an insurgent force. However, where we are, and what we are to do about it, are matters that should concern all of Guyana's leaders. Rather than repeating unsubstantiated generalizations we need an intelligence led operation to ascertain and analyse what is taking place in Guyana.
With the daring and spectacular assault on the East Bank seen in conjunction with the disappearance of 33 AK-47's and an assortment of handguns, the fear that grips Guyana is palpable and can be felt everywhere. Of all the weapons most feared, is the AK-47 which is often described as the world's most popular assault rifle capable of indiscriminately firing 600 rounds per minute. One realistic observation put forward as to the AK's awesomeness is: "There it is, the AK-47. When you absolutely, positively, have to kill every single person in the room, accept no substitute." The military has a lot of explaining to do and seems oddly enough more interested in who on the outside could have moved the weapons, than on those on the inside, who must have assisted in carrying out the crime of the millennium. Since the disclosure of the loss we have seen photographs published and heard of DNA testing of heaps of human waste, but little else as to the serial numbers of the weapons, and the names, ranks, and photographs of the persons within the military who ought to be persons of interest.
The continued presence of these weapons on the streets of Guyana is a matter of grave concern as we witness the steady drift into lawlessness and anarchy. Every person, every organization, and every leader, has a duty to stand united against those who would bring our country into chaos. The Alliance For Change extends its support to the security forces in their fight and remains ready, willing, and able to assist in crafting a strategy to stave off the coming anarchy. It would be remiss and irresponsible of us if we did not take the opportunity to point out that systems have been too lax and someone must be held responsible. This situation if left alone without drastic intervention has the potential to plunge this country into an unprecedented dark and dangerous period.
Yours faithfully,
Raphael Trotman
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