Barticians gathered on Wednesday at the Transport and Harbours Department Stelling, Bartica for an interfaith service held in memory of the 12 persons who were slain when gunmen attacked the community two years ago.
A Government Information Agency (GINA) press release said the Region Seven Neighbourhood Democratic Council and several religious groups organised the service. On February 17, 2008 a gang stormed the community killing three police officers stationed at the Bartica Police Station: Ron Osborne, Shane Fredericks and Zaheer Zakir; along with Edwin Gilkes, Dexter Adrian, Irving Ferreira, Deonarine Singh, Ronald Gomes, Ashraf Khan, Abdool Yasseen, Errol Thomas and Baldeo Singh.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Kellawan Lall, who delivered a message from President Bharrat Jagdeo, said the president and cabinet are in solidarity with the community, particularly those who lost loved ones in the incident. He said since then mechanisms have been put in place which will need the support of the people, in order that all might benefit.
Lall also observed that Bartica has undergone dramatic changes since the incident and the community is alive once again. He said, “You have done a wonderful job in healing yourselves and in coming out once again and in making a contribution to your surroundings.” The minister also noted that the region and people needed to continue to cooperate with each other to benefit the whole society. He noted too that the role of the local government ministry is to empower the people to contribute toward the community’s stability and success.
Additionally, Region Seven Chairman Holbert Knights noted that despite the tragedy two years ago the community is strong and urged residents to remain resolute to ensure that such an incident does not recur. Knights also appealed to authorities in the judicial system to ensure that justice is served so that the community can have closure. “We need to ensure that a message is sent to those who might be harbouring similar thoughts to carry out similar acts of violence and terrorism to anyone anywhere around this country to send a message to them…to ensure that justice is served,” he said.
Representative of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) John Willems said, “A great evil happened here in Bartica, a place known for its famous Regatta, sunshine and … people. A place not characterised by terror and violence.” He then added that he hoped the victims’ relatives’ wounds would be healed and that their lives would become much better. “As we gather to observe the unforgettable horror of this event we convey our deepest sympathy to the victims’ families many of whom have turned their weaknesses into strength,” Willems added. He said too the incident reminds the nation that life is precious and that persons needed to look past differences and embrace each other.
Meanwhile, representative of the Guyana Goldfields Inc, Peter Ramsaroop told the gathering that the company would be erecting a monument in memory of the slain persons. He said it would be built of marble and will be about 13 feet in height.
GINA said Permanent Secretary Sewchan, PPP/C member Clinton Collymore and other representatives from the ministry also attended the memorial.
