For most of us, this unprecedented rise in serious crimes has been indescribable - that is, until we in Guyana began hearing that the criminal rampage was (and probably still is) part of a plot to subvert the rule of law, create social upheaval and, ultimately, force the current administration out of office.

Many Guyanese, both at home and abroad, seemed to reach the point of desperation in wanting the government to go beyond its means and implement a new set of anti-crime initiatives.

Those initiatives have begun to work, as we’re seeing in the successes that the joint operations in Buxton have wrought.

None of us is that naïve about crime to believe that the Buxton operation successes are going to last a lifetime without our law enforcement agencies evaluating, modifying, improving and intensifying their battle against violent crimes whenever the need arises.

But we’re happily at a point where we can breathe a sigh of relief and propelling local and foreign investments.

Yesterday’s launching of a US$3 million juice plant at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, by Demerara Distillers Limited, is yet another manifestation of how eager people are to contribute to the growth and development of our nation, and how vital a role security plays in determining the shaping of our destiny.