Murder of the Henry boys, death of both mothers, three years later justice not served

By Annette Ferguson- Our nation and the communities of West Coast Berbice were thrown into a state of grief, after learning of the gruesome murders of young Joel Henry and Isaiah Henry in September 2020. Their mutilated bodies were eventually discovered on September 7, 2020, in a clump of bushes.

Three years later, both families are experiencing further trauma with the sudden passing of the broken-hearted mothers of Joel and Isaiah. Isaiah’s mom, Patricia, died of a heart attack on October 18^th, 2022 and now one year after her passing, Ms. Gale Henry, Joel’s Mom, died of a ruptured blood vessel on November 10^th, 2023.

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Guyanese would recall the challenges experienced by these mothers and other family members in seeking justice. Despite being assured by President Ifraan Ali that, in his own words, “no stone will be left unturned.” Their many appeals to him and the Guyana Police Force, for thorough investigations into the murders of their sons, were fruitless. Instead, sons from both families were later arrested and imprisoned, forcing both families into new levels of grief and stress.

Efforts by Lead Attorney, Mr. Nigel Hughes, and the Guyana Human Rights Association, to have a forensic expert from Argentina support local investigators were rebuffed. Access to vital pieces of information was denied, bringing to an abrupt end any hope of a partnership with Argentina to solve the murders. Subsequently, several persons, allegedly of unsound mind, were also brought before the courts for the murders of the Henry boys.

L – R: Mother of Isaiah Henry, Patricia Henry; Gail Johnson, mother of Joel and brother of Joel, Colwyn Johnson

Throughout this ordeal, no psychosocial support was provided to the Henry families by the government. Thankfully, NGOs and concerned Guyanese provided this and other forms of support. It is difficult for any parent or sibling to endure the pain of murder of a loved one compounded by injustice. Their cries and fight for justice will continue to linger in the hearts of Guyanese and I pray that Isaiah’s father, Mr. Gladstone Henry, will draw strength from God and live to see justice for these boys.

President Ali pays his respects to Isaiah and Joel Henry. He also promised “no stone would be left unturned” in pursuing justice for the teens.

I publicly express my profound condolences to the Henry families and pray that as you grieve you draw strength from Psalm 34:18, “the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

Guyanese let us continue to pray for the Henry’s and other families who are still grieving the loss of loved ones and seeking justice.