The text is quite convincing in the latest advisory on crime in Guyana from the US State Department's Overseas Security Advisory Council. More than convincing, it is also frightening, despite the indignant response by Guyana Police Force's Crime Chief, Seelall Persaud.
In response, Persaud has not only taken umbrage at the US report, but he also cites statistics that run counter to what is presented. He even disputes sections of the reports while downplaying some parts, which in our minds as visitors who travel frequently to Guyana are troubling enough by its mere mention in the advisory.
The OSAC advisory states, among other things, what we know only too well: "Criminal activity in the capital city of Georgetown continues to increase, particularly violent crimes against people and property. Foreigners, in general, are viewed as targets of opportunity. Serious crime, including murder and armed robbery, continues to be a major problem. The murder rate in Guyana is three-times higher than the murder rate in the United States."
It is a similar scenario in the advisory that was issued separately for Trinidad: "The US Department of State has rated crime in Trinidad and Tobago as high. Violent crime is a concern for the local security services and the general population. There were 480 murders in 2010, 508 murders in 2009, 550 (record high) murders in 2008, and 391 in 2007 out of a population of approximately 1.3 million people. Although statistics suggest crime may be decreasing overall, crime levels in certain areas of Port-of-Spain continue to be high. The murder rate continues to be driven primarily by gang and drug related activities. Crimes related to economic gain, sexual assault, and domestic violence, continue to plague the country."
Tobago is also cited as a source of concern for visitors, where "crimes of murder, home invasion, petty theft, and hustling continue to affect tourists, including theft of large sums of cash and passports taken from hotel rooms. In particular, several violent home invasions have targeted well-to-do homes and villas sometimes rented to tourists during their vacations to Tobago."
While these advisories are meant to alert US visitors to Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, it is also instructive to us here in the GTA and the rest of Canada. As the Guyana advisory cautions, the text is well worth repeating for our benefit:
"Most foreigners are very visible in public and should take precautions when visiting downtown areas. Visitors should avoid wearing expensive jewelry, displaying large sums of cash in public, or otherwise appearing ostentatious. Visitors are advised to make every attempt to change currency at hotels or airports. Visitors are strongly discouraged from exchanging currency on the street, as this is a dangerous practice."
While it is understandable that Guyana's Crime Chief is responding through professional and political expediency, the response from us as visitors to our homelands should continue to be safety first and constant vigilance.