We believe that Guyanese from all quarters should unequivocally support the call by Mr. McDonald for all law-abiding citizens to work together with the Police Force in a total and committed manner in order to deal effectively with the current crime scourge.

Indeed this sentiment has been expressed over and over in the past by several individuals including the President of the Republic, Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo, parties, groups and organisations, but that was as far as it went, and anarchy, lawlessness and banditry continued to stalk the land, while Buxton remains the haven for the marauding bunch of criminals.

We recognise the fact that these are men and boys who have reduced themselves to be agents of the devil, and would stop at nothing to satisfy their ego, even if it means the plunder, kidnapping and slaughter of innocent citizens.

As a nation now in the cradle of development, we have already lost enough of our fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews and grand parents, and security brothers and sisters.

The people believe, like the Commissioner himself that the time has now come, more than ever, for all decent minded Guyanese to get involved in the battle against crime.

We acknowledge that these are the times that try men’s soul. Therefore, we must not, in this crisis, shrink from the service of this country.

We must rouse in the people, and we know there are those who pay lip service to peace, the unanimous wish for peace, for which we are determined to sacrifice together, in the interest of the common welfare of all. We feel that only by doing this shall we discharge our great duties for the future of all Guyanese.

We support the Commissioner’s view that if we do not all work together, then the only beneficiaries of the current situation will be the bandits and criminals themselves.

How can any nation, especially one like ours accept with pride, figures of 142 murders last year, twelve alone of which were committed on members of the force? The trend goes on as between January and March this year, there have already been 58 murders, eight policemen being among the slaughtered.

Car-jacking and kidnappings are two new dimensions on the crime scenario in Guyana and indeed these and other violent crimes have reared their ugly heads with increasing frequency since the deadly jailbreak of five notorious criminals from prison in February 2002 and the flow of deportees from the United States.

Law-abiding Guyanese note with disgust and consternation, that most of these people are allowed sanctuary in Buxton from where they conceive, plan and carry out their deadly and brutal operations.