Dear Editor,
The Amerindian Action Movement of Guyana (TAAMOG) is calling on the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Director of Public Prosecution to order a re-investigation into the death of two Amerindian children killed as a result of a speedboat accident, where the occupants failed to render assistance to the Basil Da Silva family on 26th August, 2016 on the Waini River, about two miles from Morawhanna. The Da Silva family in their boat powered by a 15 horsepower motor were heading towards their home in Kumaka, Mabaruma when disaster struck from behind. The speeding boat with its two occupants was also heading to Kumaka from Morawhanna. It is alleged that Basil Da Silva’s written statement handed in to the Mabaruma police station was thrown into a waste paper basket.
A re-investigation is also needed into the mysterious disappearance of an Amerindian pensioner by the name of Eustace Marcellino of the Barimanobo community, Mabaruma (Barima-Waini). Marcellino disappeared on 31st March, 2017 and to date has not reappeared. At the time of Marcellino’s disappearance he was living with his daughter. Allegations by close relatives and some community residents suggest that Marcellino may have been murdered and buried behind the house where he lived. Close relatives alleged that the Mabaruma police investigations were poor. Could these re-investigations be quickly conducted by the Major Crimes Unit of the GPF? The parents of the two children who died as a result of the horrific boat crash and the close relatives of Eustace Marcellino who mysteriously disappeared are grieving and want to know when will justice be served.
Yours faithfully,
Peter Persaud
