The Ministry of Home Affairs yesterday congratulated the Joint Services for putting one of the “most gruesome and abominable chapters” in the country’s criminal history to rest. In a press release, the ministry said that it salutes the members of the Joint Services for regaining the upper hand “in the fight against the criminal enterprise” with the killing of two notorious wanted men.
“The significance of this victory must not be lost in a maelstrom of self pity nor collective remorse. After all, too much anguish, pain and suffering have been experienced by the entire Nation and more particularly the families at Lusignan, Bartica and Lindo Creek as a result of the bloody handiwork of (Rondell) Rawlins and his notorious gang members”, the release said further adding that “The Joint Services, State Security and Intelligence bodies have waged a dogged and relentless battle to hunt down and bring to justice these criminals”.
The Ministry pointed out that the Joint Services have had their share of ridicule, admonishment and severe criticism particularly from sections of the media for not catching the criminals.
“They nevertheless weathered the storm and in the end triumphed. Their efforts have not been in vain. Rondell Rawlins and Jermaine Charles are now history, however the ongoing challenge to dismantle the criminal enterprise and to ferret out the remnants of the gang continues to be top priority”, the release said.
In the meantime, the Ministry gave assurances that the law enforcement agencies will continue the battle to bring the undetected criminals to justice.
“The Ministry of Home Affairs supports the call by the Commissioner of Police for all other criminals wanted by the police to surrender themselves into the hands of the police. Refusal to do so could perhaps, result in them suffering a similar fate as Rawlins and Charles, the release said.
The release stressed that those persons who know the whereabouts of wanted persons whose photographs have been published and do not inform the police are liable to be charged under the laws of Guyana for habouring criminals.