IAC concerned with upsurge in criminal activities, lack of jobs

The Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) in a recent statement said it is “shocked and outraged” with the “escalation of criminal activities in Guyana especially since the beginning of 2016.”

The body said it noted the statements made by the Minister of Public Security about a decline in the crime rate but the public perception is that the crime rate has risen sharply because of a massive amount of unreported crimes.

It highlighted that the Guyana Police Force is undermanned and the organization believes that urgent recruitment is required.

“In the current situation of a constantly declining economy, the IAC is cognizant of the negative effects on foreign investments, local businesses, and the tourism and hospitality sector, all of which has led to growing unemployment amongst youths, many of whom have inadequate educational requirements for gainful employment” the statement said.

The body urges the government to swiftly, in partnership with the private sector, establish an enabling environment for job creation.

It recommends the setting up of a council comprising representatives of all the parliamentary parties, the religious bodies, the trade unions, the non-governmental organizations, civil society, the University of Guyana and other tertiary institutions to deal with what the body deemed a “national crisis.”