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President Irfaan Ali on Monday unveiled a new approach to crime prevention with the introduction of a prison avoidance system encompassing law enforcement, civil society, communities, and other influential groups.
Addressing heads of local and regional security agencies, the diplomatic community and special invitees at the opening of the Guyana Prison Service Annual Senior Correctional Officers Conference, Ali said a high-level team will be convened to examine the country’s security architecture’s response to wide ranging challenges that lead to citizens’ imprisonment.
The president pointed to technological advancements that have enhanced communication among criminals and become recruiting grounds for gangs, as well as a lack of access to opportunities, stigma, mental health issues, and learnt behaviours among citizens, particularly young people.
Ali said that by stopping crime before it happens, citizens avoid going to prison, but stressed a multi-agency, mutli-faceted approach is required.
“We have to start looking at the redefined role of civil society, the religious community, the education system, inspirational groups, development groups, influencers… and we have to integrate these systems and organisations into the overall architecture,” he said.
He insisted that as Guyana modernises, so must its security agencies and its approach to crime and crime prevention, adding that addressing root causes is critical.
