Dear Editor,
The cold- blooded murder of 22-year-old fisherman Shereffudeen Nazamudeen at Good Hope, East Bank Essequibo is yet another reminder of the depths of despair into which the rural communities have slipped.
There is a rise in vicious, inhumane violence of various kinds in Guyana but what struck us in this case was the apparent role of the community. Our understanding is that the victim was killed in the presence of prominent members of the community. While we understand that the police are investigating, we are concerned about the role of the community members who apparently stood by as this act was being perpetrated. We believe that the time has come to hold communities accountable for this kind of inaction in the face of criminal violence.
It is our hope that the press, the police, and human rights bodies in Guyana will thoroughly investigate this matter, and that the perpetrators, including members of the community who were bystanders to the crime are brought to justice. Law enforcement in many parts of the world has become so advanced that those who stand idly by in the face of criminal acts also face the law.
Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the family of the victim, and we pledge to do whatever is required to assist them as they plead with the authorities for justice in this matter.
Yours faithfully,
Wazir Mohamed
Hafiz Rahman
