Dear Editor,

The prevention and control of crime is intrinsic to the overall development of the country and requires a solid will and unwavering commitment to ensure its success. The costs of uncontrolled crime are enormous as is the prevention and control. The initial costs are significantly high but have to be approached with a long-term strategic vision that weaves into an overall concept of what life should be and how safe Guyana is and can be perceived by the international community. This has to be the basis for Guyana's development. The international community recognizes this and, I am quite sure, is prepared to provide the necessary financial and technical assistance to bring it to fruition.

The failure to address crime as a priority leads to persistent corruption and a chaotic society unable to join the global economy and make an impact that enhances the quality of life for all Guyanese. The provision of half measures is equally foolhardy and only offers a funnel to continuously flush away much-needed funds. Decentralization is the key and Professor Ragoonauth explained it well, according to a Stabroek News report, '...rationalizing the situation, he said, should be no excuse for not finding solutions to create a better system...'. I must therefore recommend the following:

* The decentralization of the criminal justice system.
* The formation of the Guyana Department of Public Safety (GDPS)
* The creation of:
(a) The Guyana Bureau of Investigations (GBI)
(b) The Guyana State Patrol (GSP)
(c) The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC)
(d) The Office of Road Safety (ORS)
The establishment of the Georgetown Police Department (GPD)

The creation of county policing agencies for Demerara, Berbice and the Essequibo coast.

I hope to provide more detail on these recommendations in a subsequent letter.

Yours faithfully,

Merrill Hyman Sr.