GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) – Guyana’s private sector has written to President David Granger complaining about the present crime situation and its impact on the country’s 50th anniversary of political independence from Britain.

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) said it is concerned at the situation given that the government is seeking to attract nationals and in the diaspora and other visitors to come here to celebrate the political milestone.

“The Private Sector Commission has met twice with the Honourable Minister of Public Security and with the Commissioner of Police to no avail. We firmly believe that the citizens of this country can no longer live in fear of their lives and a more aggressive strategy is needed to curb the high profile crimes which are headlined daily,” the PSC said in its letter.

It said while it is cognizant of the fact that the current crime situation is not a recent phenomenon, it also recognises that the ability of the police force to solve crimes has improved.

“We are, however, of the view that we are in dire need of an approach which is focused on the prevention of crime and that this approach must be communicated widely. We are therefore seeking an urgent audience with you,” the letter stated.

Earlier this week, the police released figures here showing that there had been a 19 per cent decrease in serious crimes at the end of April this year as compared to the same period last year.

The police said there had also been a nine per cent decline in murders and a similar figure for gun-related crimes.