ENVIRONMENT, CRIME AND DISEASE

Environment, Crime and Disease in Guatemala



Environment, Crime and Disease in Guatemala

Introduction

Guatemala is currently undergoing one of the most difficult periods in its history. It is pertaining to the apparent inability of government to provide residents a minimum of security against vandalism. The crime rate of Guatemala is high and its impact on the overall country is quite high. The economy is even getting affected because of the serious crime conditions. It is a natural phenomenon for any country that if they are not going to have control on their crime rate, then that country's economy will suffer badly. It has been overwhelmed, which prevails in the country especially in a dimension that borders on barbarism at the capital city and surrounding municipalities. The Guatemalans are witnessing the horror as each day grows, expands and strengthens the power of ordinary crime and gangs. Gang members are becoming powerful at the expense of the virtuous citizen and are carrying their activities to kill, intimidate neighbors in defense of life to leave their homes, ceding more territory, intimidating gangs, extorting, kidnapping, robbing, rape, murder and facing the desolation. The citizen would find it totally unprotected and would feel helpless because they have the opportunity to defend or deal with these criminal groups. (Gleijeses, 1988)

The climate of anxiety generated by the active engagement of the gangs, and, the incomprehensible inaction of government agencies is responsible for exercising its authority to protect the Guatemalans, and, provide speedy justice to avoid chaotic situation. Given the uncertain outlook posed by the apparent lack of governance, Government encourages laziness, and, as a result of their precarious situation, the ordinary citizen is tempted to organize, and, maybe arm their own to take the law into their hands. They might be blinded by vulnerability, and, face new risks inherent to this new threat. The organization that was originally inspired by the noble principles of protecting and safeguarding the lives and property of its members could eventually become powerful, same power will turn out to be corrupt, and, a new enemy of the community which was created would probably be nurtured in a proper way. There will be an attempt to minimize the national and, international public opinion, the social impact of the problem, even knowing that everyone is aware of the tragic gravity of the situation, as expected. The previous Government aimed to cover the sun with a finger and tried to hide the responsibility of governing the country which was too big for them. There was not only lack of political will, but by the absence of a national project, from which, they can govern in a consistent manner, or, at least honor their campaign promises might further increase difficulties for them. (Tooley, 1997)

Main Body

The grim picture of insecurity generated by the unstoppable onslaught of common crime and gangs, today more than ever demonstrates PNC's inability to exercise some control and protect the citizen. The causes of this condition are diverse and ...