The brutal murder of People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Minister of Agriculture Satyadeow Sawh, along with his family and a security guard, continues to stir public outcry as calls for justice remain unanswered. Sawh was fatally shot in the early hours of April 22, 2006, at his residence, in La Bonne Intention (LBI) on the East Coast of Demerara, during the tenure of then-President Bharrat Jagdeo.
The masked assailants, reportedly armed in military fatigues, not only killed Sawh but also his siblings (Phulmattie Persaud) and (Rajpat Rai Sawh), and security guard (Curtis Robertson), leaving a trail of death and devastation that has yet to be properly investigated.
Despite the shocking and violent nature of the attack, there has been no conclusive investigation or resolution to the case, raising serious concerns about the handling of the incident by the authorities during the “reign of terror” that characterised Jagdeo’s administration. The killings are seen by many as part of a broader pattern of politically motivated violence during that period.
In the years since the murder, Sawh’s family has consistently called for a thorough investigation into the killings. They argue that there has been little progress, with the investigation failing to identify those responsible or uncover the motive behind the attack. Their repeated appeals for justice have largely gone unanswered, with the government showing little urgency in pursuing the case.
In 2024 the United Nations Human Rights Committee called on the Government of Guyana to conduct an inquiry into the circumstances of the mass killings during 2002-2006, highlighting concerns about human rights violations and the failure to protect citizens, including from state-sanctioned violence.
However, the Guyanese government has largely ignored these calls. Official statements on Sawh’s case have been few, and the government has not shown any willingness to revisit the investigation or provide answers to the family and the public. This indifference has only heightened suspicions about the lack of political will to resolve the case and bring justice to those affected.
Critics argue that the government’s inaction reflects a broader culture of impunity that permeated the Bharrat Jagdeo administration, particularly during what many refer to as the “reign of terror” — a period marked by a significant increase in politically motivated violence and extrajudicial killings.
The lack of accountability for Sawh’s murder and similar incidents from that era continues to raise alarms about the government’s commitment to human rights and the rule of law.
Despite the ongoing silence from the government, Sawh’s family has vowed to continue their fight for justice. They remain resolute in their demands for a full and transparent investigation into the murder of their loved ones.
As the 19th anniversary of Sawh’s death approaches, the sense of urgency to resolve this case grows ever more pressing. The fight for truth, accountability, and justice remains as critical as ever and that those responsible for this horrific crime be held to account.
