Guyana has long grappled with the scourge of petty crime – “choke and rob” incidents where thieves snatch watches, rings, and other personal items. These acts of simple theft, while alarming, pale in comparison to the more insidious and far-reaching forms of robbery that have emerged in recent years.
In the 21st century, and more starkly over the past four years, a new breed of crime has taken root—one that is not committed by individuals on the street but by powerful cartels, mafia-like networks, and political bandits. These actors have effectively and calculatedly deprived the citizens of Guyana of their future prospects, dismantling their opportunities and eroding their rights.
Large segments of the population have been displaced from their ancestral lands and properties, which have been handed over to the friends and families of the political elite. This displacement is not just a matter of relocation; it’s a calculated move to consolidate power and wealth among the ruling class, leaving ordinary Guyanese struggling to reclaim their rights and livelihoods.
Moreover, many citizens are being systematically starved of their income and potential earnings due to political partisanship and racial biases. The result is a growing dependency on the state and the ruling PPP party, which uses this dependency to maintain control and extend its political dominance.
These actions are not merely about property or economic gain; they represent a deliberate attempt to undermine the very fabric of Guyanese society. By stripping away the economic and property rights of ordinary people, these political bandits are placing the future of generations of Guyanese in jeopardy, forcing them into a position of reliance on the state’s generosity – a generosity that is meagre and often comes with strings attached.
The impact of these machinations is profound. It creates a cycle of dependence that stifles personal initiative and undermines the long-term prosperity of the nation. The long-term damage to Guyana’s social and economic fabric is far more significant than any street crime; it is a strategic assault on the fundamental rights and future of its people.
As Guyanese citizens, it is crucial to recognize this broader pattern of institutional theft and to demand accountability from those in power. The stakes are high, and the future of our nation depends on our ability to confront and dismantle these corrupt systems that are robbing us not just of our possessions, but of our potential and our future.
