GUYANESE across the country and civil society organisations have United in their condemnation of the killing of two boys a back Cotton Tree Village, West Coast Berbice over the weekend.
The bodies of Joel Henry 19 and his cousin, Isaiah Henry were discovered in a coconut farm badly disfigured. Police have since detained ed the owner of the farm, his son and a handyman. The Irfaan Ali Government has promised to spare no effort in bringing the perpetrators to justice even as angry residents erupted in protest over the boys’ murder.
In a statement the Ethnic Relations Commission, (ERC), strongly condemned what it described as the senseless killings of the and calls for swift action by the police to apprehend those responsible. “The Commission is pleading with Guyanese, especially those residing in the West Coast Berbice and nearby communities to remain calm and allow the Police to do their work.
The ERC remains firm that, first and foremost, the law must take its course. The Commission, therefore, appeals to Guyanese to desist from any activity which can contribute to unnecessary tension as it is hopeful that those responsible will be brought to justice.”
The Commission also strongly urged leaders, both nationally and at the community levels, to demonstrate responsible behaviour and to not use the pain of this tragedy to heighten racial tension. “The ERC extends condolences to the relatives and friends of the young men whose lives were cut short in a heinous manner.
The ERC remains committed entirely, which it is fully empowered to do, to taking whatever course of action it deems necessary to assist in the de-escalation of tensions and the mending of fractured relations among citizens. The ERC reiterates that investigations by the Police must first take precedence before the ERC acts to defuse any unwanted developments resulting from the tragic occurrences a few days ago,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, Youth for Change the youth arm of the Alliance for Change said all members of the Youth For Change are outraged by the dastardly acts of violence committed against the boys.
“Our thoughts, prayers and vocal support goes out to the grieving love ones of Joel and Isaiah Henry. We stand with you and we will demand Justice alongside you.
As young people our fundamental goal is to live free and free from fear. Free from fear to speak, free from fear to participate and free from fear to live. We believe that all the people of this Nation are responsible for the nurture, empowerment and protection of youth. The Youth For Change vehemently condemns in the strongest possible terms the evil, barbaric, hateful, and gruesome murder of Joel and Isaiah Henry.”
The Youth For Change also joins the call for a thorough and speedy investigation into this gruesome double murder, sauing that all culprits must be made to face the full force of the law.
“All lives cannot matter if youth lives matter less, all lives cannot matter if black lives matter less,” the statement ended.
For yhe Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) the slaying of the boys must not go unpunished. “The horrific killing of these young men, who ventured to the backlands to obtain coconuts a task reportedly they have done on several occasions, is uncalled for and is, undoubtedly, the product of depraved mind/s.
The shocking discovery has sent a thunderbolt of anger through several communities as people are understandably upset. In as much as we recognise the deep-seated sentiments harboured we urge that protests be peaceful and do not bring harm to people nor property,” FITUG said.
“We have seen reports about one person being held to assist the investigations and we urge the Guyana Police Force to ensure that justice is swift and those culpable are made to answer for their horrific deeds.”
At this time, the FITUG extends its sincerest condolences to the families and friends of the Joel and Isaiah Henry. Our prayers are with the family in this difficult, the statement concluded.
Adding its voice the Private Sector Commission (PSC) said it learnt with horror, of the murder of two teenaged cousins,
with a sense of utter revulsion.
“We join the voices of the private sector and, we would like to think, the entire country, in calling
upon the nation to remain calm while the police do their job to bring the perpetrators to justice,
while we condemn this brutal heinous act.
Our deepest sympathy and condolences go out to the grieving families.”
