The National Steering Committee on Crime will be holding 25 public consultations on crime at locations throughout the country beginning today and continuing until Thursday, September 19.

The Committee was established following the National Consultation on Crime organised by the Office of the President on August 22, 2002 at the Ocean View Convention Centre. The Committee comprises members of political parties, who were present at the meeting and representatives of civil society including the private sector, the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), religious organisations and the legal fraternity.

The National Steering Committee met and agreed on a plan of action to advance the consultation process with specific target groups and the public at large.

Public consultations will be held over the next eleven days on the East Coast of Demerara, Georgetown, East Bank Demerara, West Bank Demerara, West Berbice, New Amsterdam, Rose Hall, Upper Corentyne, Soesdyke, Anna Regina and Charity.

The consultations are intended to inform the public on measures being employed by the State in response to the crime situation, solicit suggestions for the fight against crime, and involve all stakeholders in a national response to the crime situation.

Prior to the national consultation, His Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo and the Minister of Home Affairs Mr. Ronald Gajraj, met several groups on the crime situation, including the private sector and the religious community where they discussed the situation at length. Other political parties have also participated in Parliament in the August 22 National Crime Consultation, including the main opposition Peoples’ National Congress/Reform (PNC/R).

The Rise Up and Rebuild (ROAR) movement, however, did not participate in the discussions. (Government Information Agency)

Timetable of the countrywide consultations: