Although it is still part of our laws, Guyana has moved away from the death penalty. The last execution was in 1997. It is a controversial issue. Some believe that it is barbaric. But would one empathize with one who has murdered and was not swayed by the fear in their victim’s eyes? Is anyone who has chosen to take innocent life for reasons such as greed, sacrifice or because they chose to defy non-violent conflict resolutions worthy of living?
Some believe that restoring the death penalty in Guyana would lead to a reduction in violent crimes, like rape and murder. But then, what about those who have wrongfully been convicted? History tells us that there are cases where people were executed and then later it was proven that they were innocent. I have also thought about the ones who would have to perform the executions.
I have not thought about the death penalty for a long time. But the murders of Haresh Singh and the Henrys have been in the news this week and led me to reminisce about the events of September 2020. The images of the mutilated bodies of the Henrys that many have tried to erase from their minds are still there. Those are images you can never forget. They compel you to face the uncomfortable truth that such evil exists in Guyana; that teenaged boys could be lynched in 2020.
This week one of the Henrys, Glaston Henry, and three other persons were charged with the murder of Haresh Singh. Attorney Nigel Hughes and relatives of the Henry boys have since spoken out, alleging that there has been a miscarriage of justice. They say Glaston Henry was at home at the time Haresh Singh was murdered and there are witnesses to establish his alibi. It is also claimed that a Police Detective was at the family’s home investigating the murders and saw him there at the time Haresh Singh was murdered. The police have since challenged these claims.
In April, Mark Henry, a brother of one of the murdered Henry cousins, was charged with killing a suspect in the murders of the teenagers. Time will reveal his guilt or innocence. In December, the mother and brother of one of the murdered Henry boys were charged over an altercation between them and the police. Charges included failure to produce a driver’s licence, resisting a peace officer and disorderly behaviour. These charges were criticised by the Working People’s Alliance and the Guyana Human Rights Association.
We cannot say that there is no corruption in the Guyana Police Force. The actions of members of Guyana Police Force are often questionable. There have been times when young men were killed by the police under suspicious circumstances. There have also been allegations about torture and forced confessions.
I believe that most police officers are there to ensure the safety of the people and to make sure that the laws that govern this land are upheld. But I cannot stay silent when there are indications of corrupt practices by members of the force. It paints the entire police force in a negative light. I hope that protecting the people will prevail over corrupt practices. I hope that justice will prevail, and innocent people will not be made to suffer to protect the monsters in this society.
The Henrys were mutilated but the mutilation that occurs here is not only of bodies but minds. We see men and women daily defending corrupt practices. We see them advocating for the dagger in the hearts of their neighbours to be further penetrated. They mutilate the bodies of those already dead with their tongues. They vilify victims and make excuses for the perpetrators. They perhaps believe that they cannot be harmed by the daggers or that their voices will never be silenced only for society judge them.
The general air of malaise has compelled me to often disconnect to protect my energies. But we cannot escape for we are a part of this society. We are not recluses. Our homes are not islands. Some of us must be the voices for the voiceless or those afraid to speak.
Every day there are violent deaths in Guyana. This week another woman, Omela Singh, aged 26, was murdered by her partner, Onkar Singh, who later died by suicide. It was reported that she visited the authorities for a restraining order on Friday June 26th only to be turned away and told to return on a Monday because those responsible for restraining orders were not working that day. Restraining orders are a matter of urgency! How are people not working every day to ensure that those who need them get them? Though the perpetrators often do not abide by them because they have been nurtured in an environment where people think they can break the laws and walk free; so, people are often at risk whether they have a restraining order or not. But perhaps it would have made a difference for Omela.
On Sunday Onkar visited Omela, an argument ensued, and he murdered her. Three children are now mother less.
53-year-old taxi driver Kenrick Trim was found stabbed to death in what appeared to be a carjacking.
The lifeless body of 64-year-old Tashwattie Jaglall was found in her home Thursday morning. Her son reported that his children told him that she was strangled after three men broke into her home.
Whether one’s name is Henry or Singh the energies are not peaceful here. The people are crying, while death walks where life should be flourishing. No one is immune. The death penalty may be unused here, but many of our people, both innocent and guilty, have been sentenced to death. Their lives are torture. They are living with the memories and the ghosts of their loved ones who headlined violent events. Perhaps we are so inundated with these daily violent occurrences because too many restless spirits roam this land.
