Dear Editor,
The fact that the United States Department of Justice and, the Federal Bureau of Inves-tigation (FBI) conveyed to the Government of Guyana their decision not to provide forensic scientific assistance for the Lindo Creek tragedy, it would be reasonably expected that the government swiftly engage in plan B.
From all indication, plan B would be to acquire the services of Forensic Scientific Service (FSS), the U.K based team recommended by the relatives of the slaughtered miners and their legal team. The relatives, lawyers and all others must be congratulated for having the courage, strength and willingness to go this extra mile to assist the government in ensuring that justifiable answers are given regarding these most cruel killings. It has been almost three weeks since these miners were slaughtered and families and the entire Guyanese community anxiously await answers, so we cannot overstate or overemphasize the fact that serious, and dangerous allegations abound regarding who might be responsible for these deaths. Further, we must respect the fact that “time is of the essence” in this case, a reservation expressed by the United States authorities as a consideration for not being able to offer forensic help. The government must therefore be reminded that as time continues to elapse between the killings and the time forensic studies are conducted more claims of “compromised evidence” are likely to give rise to major public debate. And given the state of security affairs in Guyana coupled with the distrust between the citizenry and the security we cannot afford such claims to fester as these may have a tendency to cast more strain in the relationship between the people and security forces, thereby, making the fight against crime even more challenging.
I believe, given the circumstances, the government should as a matter of urgency pursue the already explored and solicited services from the U.K based group (FSS) and avoid any further time lapse.
For the government to announce that, having been turned down by the U.S, it will now engage in a process to solicit help from Caricom is disheartening, discouraging and mind boggling. It is unbelievable that with such tragic deaths and worrying accusations levelled at the government, regarding its possible role or involvement in same, the executive would have failed to simultaneously seek expert assistance from renowned entities involved in forensic work. What is equally discouraging is the fact that the government seems not to be too concerned over the fact that their apparent lack of intention to swiftly bring some closure to this “horror story” will continue to haunt families of those slain and all of Guyana. It will also advance the suspicion theory, which clearly affects the image of the administration. Let us not forget that there are still allegations of torture, by the joint forces, of which the findings are yet to be revealed to the public. To treat the Lindo Massacre with the same level of “suspicious slowness” may confirm, in some their greatest fear.
Since the families have gone the length to solicit help it is, only, fair that the authority embraces and support their initiative; we cannot waste anymore time in failing to provide answers to the nation on this most incomprehensible crime. It’s time those in authority work assiduously to put closure to these killings, by asserting the facts. Guyanese have been suffering from this cancer of crime and unsolved mystery for too long. The government must work to acquire the services of the Forensic Science Service (FSS) and demonstrate its seriousness to solve the Lindo Creek murders. At the same time all efforts must continue to seek additional expert help from Caricom and elsewhere as there can never be too much help, especially in the case of crime and Guyana.
May God continue to strengthen us in these times of tremendous trials!
Yours faithfully,
Lurlene Nestor
