A well-known animal rights activist fatally shot herself yesterday at the Brickdam Police Station, in Georgetown, a short while after a domestic dispute.
The Guyana Police Force said Trudy DeHaarte, 48, who had been receiving treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital’s Psychiatric Cli-nic, committed the act around 09:00 hrs.
According to the police, the mother of two went to the station following a confrontation she had with her taxi-driver husband. The police reported that the woman allegedly damaged the man’s car and he went to the station to make a report. The woman reportedly followed him.
Further, the police said the man pointed the woman out to a rank and she was escorted into the compound. She then proceeded to the entrance of the Enquiries Office, where she ended her life.
Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn went to the police station after the shooting and later told reporters that the unfortunate incident will be investigated. The minister said that forensics were done and investigators will follow up by questioning the woman’s husband.
DeHaarte’s sister, Emily Clarke, went to the police station after her brother-in-law called her and informed her of the incident. Clarke was in tears as she explained that her sister has been an animal welfare activist for about five years. The woman, who told reporters that her sister was a licensed firearm holder, described her sister as a loving and caring person.
DeHaarte had been an animal welfare officer at the Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA).
A fellow animal rights activist Syeada Manbodh told reporters, via telephone, that DeHaarte was a good person who always stood up for animals. “She was a good person. She cared about the welfare of animals, and she was a no nonsense person when it came to animal cruelty. She will be missed by everyone. My sympathies goes out to her family and the family of the GSPCA,” Manbodh said. She added that the woman was always eager to offer help whenever animals were suffering and she was a powerful voice for them. She said that Guyana is “worse off’ without DeHaarte around.
(If you or someone you may know may be at risk for suicide, seek help by calling the following hotlines: 223-0001, 223-0009, 600-7896, or 623-4444.)
