Two shot dead by Guyana police

I am not sure if this is the correct approach to take with the criminal elements, though the police may not have a choice in the matter. In the past, engagements with criminals always yield dead bodies; as a result, many of the perpetrators are never brought to justice through the courts of law. It is highly regrettable that this is the only form of “justice” that can be produced. This serves to desensitize the citizenry and all at large to death and is becoming all too common an occurrence. It is understandable that this may be unavoidable, but it is nonetheless troubling…

Senseless Murders - Guyana

With impunity, a gang of demented individuals went on a murderous rampage, slaughtering eleven innocent individuals; how can the nation comprehend the murder of children while they sleep? The actions of these individuals and the reported motivations share an eerie resemblance to inter-tribal conflicts, much like the senseless killing that is occurring in places like Kenya today; murderous mobs slaughtering innocent people, creating mayhem and destruction in their path. There can be no justification of such actions! To reach a state characterized by the wanton disregard for life and the violation of the sanctity of children cannot be more troubling. It is a colossal failure of those charged with protecting the innocent and the weak: the state and its respective organs. Far too long the country has been allowed to slip into a state of anarchy where brutal mobs are allowed to operate with impunity, as a state within a state. The authorities seem incapable, or the relevant personnel disinclined to address the situation.

Empathy and words will offer little succor to those who have lost family in this senseless tragedy. How devastating it must be for those parents who have survived the death of their children. Can we really understand the suffering of these people? Is it a wonder that the political masters and the security forces were unwelcome? Rather that being proactive, the authorities seem to be in a perpetual reactionary mode. This slaughter should never have occurred. Have we learnt nothing from the Agricola massacre?

Even more troubling is the increasing number of former law enforcement officials that are openly associated with these nefarious gangs. This has undoubtedly thrown up questions on how we assess potential applicants with aspirations to take charge of the security and protection of the citizens of Guyana. It also paints a dismal picture where the public has lost faith in the moral stock and integrity of those charged with their security. This is not a new phenomenon; Guyanese have always been leery when it comes to the army and police.

The overriding dilemma is this lack of trust and faith in the security establishment and in the Government’s ability to protect its citizens. How can the nation stem the decline in character and moral rectitude of its security personnel? That the jobs of the police and the armed forces are thankless, there is little doubt. Coupled with the dismal remuneration, it leaves a lot to be desired. However, the fact that a conscious choice was made to serve in these establishments, with the full knowledge of their deficiencies, behoves its officers to act in the best interest of the state and that of its citizens. They must set the standard of acceptable behaviour in performing their noble duty. The security forces and the governing authorities failed those children who died in Lusignan and those who were orphaned. Clearly, the country is at a crossroads; the actions taken by those charged with maintaining security, and the leadership demonstrated by the government will determine whether there will be many more ‘Lusignans’ to come.

The law enforcement agencies and the government must be held accountable for their failures; business cannot continue as usual. Communities and individuals that provide safe haven for these criminals must also be held accountable; the people should demand no less.