No lawful effort should be spared in bringing those responsible for the Lusignan massacre and the attack on the police headquarters to justice with all possible haste to send a message that these acts would not be tolerated, the Guyana Bar Association (GBA) said.
In a release condemning the massacre, the GBA said that the response to the attacks must be with all possible haste to send a clear and unequivocal message that this reprehensible acts would not be tolerated and that the forces of law, order and due process were still the guiding principles by which the society was ordered.
Of significance, the GBA said, is the fact that the criminal element felt emboldened and at ease in attacking the headquarters of the law enforcement as part of their scheme to create terror.
Expressing its shock, horror and utter revulsion at the sequence of events which resulted in the cruel and ruthless slaughter, which included children, the GBA said: “The fact that children were killed in this carnage is especially heinous.”
It added, “This example of brutality and barbarism is nothing short of an attack on the very fabric of our society, intended to undermine the rule of law as well as create and foment fear, hatred and anarchy in our midst.”
Urging a calm and reasoned but resolute response from all, the GBA said that the law enforcement officers should receive all the support possible in the investigative effort.
Noting the need, too, for a more efficient response to instances of serious crime, whenever they arise, the association said that efforts should also be made to address in a systemic way, the ongoing problem of criminal gangs since every new wave seems higher than its predecessor, “ultimately threatening to engulf us all.”
Expressing deepest condolences to all those directly affected, especially the relatives of the deceased, the GBA said that their thoughts, prayers as well as expressions of comfort and support were with them at this dark time.
