GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC:
THE GUYANA Government plans to intensify its anti-crime fight this year in a bid to spur economic and social advancement.
Finance Minister Saisnarine Kowlessar in his record US$432 million Budget presentation earlier this week reiterated the government's 'zero tolerance' for major crimes such as drug and human trafficking and said the local police will also be equipped to root out petty crimes.
"Security is a top priority of the government and as the president declared recently, 'no resource will be spared in ensuring that it is maintained'," Kowlessar assured legislators.
According to available data, the level of crime in Guyana dipped from 4,149 cases in 2000 to 3,448 cases in 2004.
"Commendable though this may be, much more work needs to be done," Kowlessar added.
He said in the 2005 Budget, the government has honoured previous commitments to the police force "to provide more resources."
Consequently, some G$3.4 billion (US$17 million) has been set aside to maintain law and order, gather intelligence information, improve their forensic capability and repair police stations across the country.
The funds will also be used to recruit and train additional ranks and purchase equipment and vehicles.
"The police force must be given the wherewithal to fight and prevent crime," said Kowlessar. "So far, they have been doing a reasonable job as they have been able to make inroads into reported serious crimes."
BOOSTING THE
ADMINISTRATIVE CAPABILITY
He also spoke of boosting the administrative capability of the police "to fight drug trafficking with the creation of a special drug unit this year".
The finance minister reminded his colleagues of the establishment of the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) which regularly teams up with the police to maintain a permanent presence at the Cheddi Jagan Airport and the country's borders and of "the use of television cameras by the GRA and law enforcement bodies to monitor activities at all ports".
Guyana has also formed ties with the regional and international community as mandated under a United Nations treaty "to stem the growth" of the narcotics industry.
Kowlessar also noted that the government has passed legislation to combat human trafficking and this year will intensify training for all stakeholders.
"The economic and social advancement of the country would be slowed or even retarded if an atmosphere of peace and security does not prevail," Kowlessar said.
