Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, has strongly denounced the use of crime as a political instrument, warning that such actions pose serious risks to national security and public trust.
The President was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) Annual General Meeting and Conference, currently underway in Guyana from May 12 to 16.
The regional gathering has brought together police commissioners and top law enforcement officials from across the Caribbean to discuss security threats, strengthen collaboration, and develop unified strategies to address shared challenges.
Addressing the gathering, President Ali said that regional stakeholders have, for too long, failed to confront two critical issues surrounding crime: its politicisation, and the growing trend of glorifying criminal behaviour.
“When political actors and institutions begin to use crime for political puppeteering, it becomes a dangerous game,” Ali cautioned. “We must see crime for what it is. Every stakeholder, whether in government or opposition, must take a unified and principled stance against criminality.”
Referring to developments in Guyana, the President noted troubling incidents where individuals with criminal backgrounds were publicly celebrated. In some cases, he said, caskets of known criminals were draped in the national flag, and political leaders even addressed mourners at their funerals.
“We witnessed individuals who should have known better glorifying criminals,” Ali stated. “There is no such thing as ‘freedom-fighting’ criminality. Breaking the law cannot be defended under any banner. Let us be clear on that.”
His comments come amid recent controversy surrounding public unrest on April 28, during which several individuals were caught on video engaging in acts of violence, looting, and destruction of property.
Some local politicians, including Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader Nigel Hughes and Working People’s Alliance (WPA) Leader Dr. David Hinds, have since expressed support for those involved, drawing public criticism.
President Ali also pointed to another troubling trend, music and popular culture, which glamorise crime. He said this also contributes to the erosion of values and undermines efforts to combat lawlessness.
