REMARKS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT BHARRAT JAGDEO AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE REPORT OF THE NATIONAL CONSULTATION ON CRIME - January 23rd, 2003

I wish to thank the Steering Committee of the National Consultation on Crime for its report. The efforts of the members of the Steering Committee and the hundreds of citizens, who participated in the consultation, reflect a significant attempt by Guyanese with their organisations to contribute to efforts aimed at addressing national concerns, such as the crime situation in our country.
When I initiated the National Consultation on Crime on August 20, 2002, the objectives were: to consult with the public on their understanding of the role of the law enforcement agencies and their handling of the crime situation; and to receive from citizens their recommendations on new and additional measures to be introduced in the fight against crime. The general aim was to facilitate the involvement and views of our people to respond to this national priority.
The fight against crime demands deserves the support of all political parties, religious groups, trades unions, the business community and every one of us. I welcome the statements of support to the law enforcement agencies. This report today is a wider reflection of that support.
This report will be considered by the law enforcement agencies and will inform our approaches and policies. Importantly, I am sure it would also further enhance the relationship between the communities and our security forces. Members of the steering committee and the general public who contributed to this process are assured that this report will receive full deliberation and they will be kept informed of the progress.
The fight against crime, as I have noted as in my New Year’s Address to the Nation, remains a priority of my administration. I wish to repeat that there will be no safe-havens and that no resource of the State will be spared in brining the criminals to justice.
Concerns have been expressed about the effectiveness of the operations of the security forces, especially relating to preventing the attacks on our East Coast communities and business places. While there have been some successes, I, too, share the desire for greater breakthroughs to achieve the desired level of safety and security for all our people and the capture of the criminals.
The expected results of the fight against crime will not be achieved unless all Guyanese and their organizations are fully involved and offer the security forces the required support. I call on all our citizens to peacefully play their part. We cannot leave the job of security solely to the front line law enforcement agencies.
I will be moving to establish a National Commission on Law and Order as agreed to at the CARICOM Heads of Government Conference held in Georgetown based on a recommendation of the Report of the Regional Task Force Report on Security and Crime. Serious consideration will also be given to other recommendations intended to address the changing nature of crime, not only in Guyana, but also across the entire Caribbean region now and in the future.
My government is very concerned about the situation and again wishes to commiserate with all the victims. I share the fear and anxieties of our people. We are resolved to providing all the required wherewithal to the country’s security forces in confronting the criminals and to provide security for all citizens and communities across Guyana.
The safety and security of our people will be enhanced.