The operations were expected to result in "a reduction or a marked reduction in crime and the arrest and prosecution of members of the gang that are alleged to be involved in...criminal activities", Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Pompey told a news conference.

The joint exercise stemmed from "the unacceptable increase in violent crimes and persistent reports that these crimes are being perpetrated by persons seen dressed in military type kit, including helmets", he told reporters at Army Headquarters, Camp Ayanganna, Georgetown.

Soldiers went into confinement in preparation for the operations that will be "intensified and sustained", he said.

Most Guyanese welcomed the announcement by Lt. Col Pompey that "specific operations have been mounted, including intensified patrols, in the areas south of coastal villages, control points and roadblocks along the coastal and embankment roads".

We have no doubt that the majority of Guyanese back the continued joint involvement by the Police and Army in the fight against the crime wave, since such joint exercises by the two forces are common in many countries.

The justification for the exercise is the "unacceptable upsurge in crime" and "the fact that criminals have been reportedly seen wearing military type uniforms", Lt. Col Pompey emphasised at the June news conference.

The murderous attacks by gangs of criminals continue and most people would welcome an intensification of the Army's involvement with the Police in moving to stamp out the scourge.

In this regard, recent reported comments against the Army's participation in the fight against criminals have come as a surprise.

It is difficult to understand this stand when Guyana is going through an unprecedented period of horrendous criminality.

A more responsible and tactful approach was to have been expected in a situation which is of critical importance to the national well-being.

In the earlier period of the crime wave, the Police Force came under heavy attack under various guises, as if they were the guilty party.

Now that the Army is giving support to the Police Force, which clearly needs the backup, there is further unnecessary criticism being drummed up.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon has slammed Opposition Leader Mr. Desmond Hoyte and retired Brigadier David Granger for criticising the Army's role in the current crime fighting operations.

He said Tuesday that recent statements originating from Mr. Hoyte and Mr. Granger are "inexcusable" given the current crime wave.

Most Guyanese would agree with Dr. Luncheon who said, "Guyanese have expectations of their Army...and in times of crisis, Guyanese turn understandably, to the Army".