Lusignan shootings intended to spread terror- President Jagdeo
Georgetown, GINA, January 26, 2008
President Bharrat Jagdeo has described the shooting incident in the community of Lusignan early this morning as an act aimed at spreading terror on the East Coast Demerara and in the country.
The Head of State this morning at a press conference at State House indicated that 11 persons including five children were murdered. He said that it was a clear case of execution.
“It could not have been robbery because these families are poor families. It was intended to spread terror on the East Coast and in our country,” President Jagdeo said.
The men who carried-out the act, according to the President can only be described as animals and cowards.
“Only sick, demented cowards could kill defenceless children. I would like on behalf of the government and all the people of our country to extend our deepest condolences to the families and relatives of those who have been so brutally murdered,” President Jagdeo lamented.
The Head of State said efforts have to be intensified to ease the fears among citizens.
“I know that there is a tremendous amount of fear on the East Coast and that we need to alleviate the fear that these communities have. Because of this, I have met earlier this morning with the security forces and my instructions are clear that we have to dominate the East Coast. They need to mobilize…They have to bring people in line; the policemen and they have to bring the soldiers from other bases …we also have to simultaneously hunt down these criminals,” President Jagdeo assured.
The President believes that the attack on the Tactical Service Unit (TSU) at Eve Leary last evening where two policemen were injured was meant to create a diversion from the intended attack at Lusignan.
In relation to claims by residents that the police were not too keen on responding to their calls and that they arrived late on the scene, the President said the matter will be investigated.
“The Commissioner of Police will fully investigate this and I can assure you that action will be taken if we find this to be true. We increased the resources substantially to these stations and they have to respond in people’s time of need,” the President said.
The Head of State pointed to recent vague statements made by certain sections of society, including political leaders and called on everyone to support the security forces in their fight.
“I hope that like the past two days when we had the soldiers gunned down that we are not going to have ambiguous statements coming out from the leaders of this society. I hope that they will not insist because some of them still think that Buxton does not have criminals hiding out there in the face of all the evidence to the contrary. So I hope that they too will support the fight of the security forces to hunt down these criminals,” President declared.
Guyanese are being urged not to be drawn into any motive by the criminals and others to spread ethnic tension.
“We have to be careful at the national level that this does not succeed because it could be exploited by the criminals and others to spread ethnic tension and I want to urge every Guyanese to ensure that the act of a few criminals is not interpreted in any way of ethnic lines. These are criminals and we have to hunt them down and all the country should be supportive of the efforts of the security forces to hunt them down,” President Jagdeo asserted.
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Lusignan shootings may be diversion from investigations into guns issued in 1970s- President Jagdeo
Georgetown, GINA, January 26, 2008
The Lusignan, East Coast Demerara shootings may have been a diversion from the investigations into the recent revelation that over 200 weapons issued to the Ministry of National Development during the 1970s were not returned to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).
Two of the three weapons recovered from criminals in Mahaica recently belong to the army and President Bharrat Jagdeo at a subsequent press conference revealed that an investigation would be pursued to determine how many of the lot were not returned.
The Head of State said the government has no intention of halting the investigations.
“Maybe… these acts are designed to take the focus away from that investigation. Well let me assure you that those investigations will continue. These cowardly acts will not divert our attention from the fact that some of the weapons that were issued to the Ministry of National Development in the 70s recently were found with criminals,” President Jagdeo emphasized.
On January 24, Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon told media operatives that a significant amount of the weapons issued to that Ministry was not returned to the army.
The President indicated that the State intends to take severe action against persons who are in possession of illegal firearms and are using them to conduct criminal activities as was the case in Lusignan.
“If you have people in a society who are not vested with the authority of the State, …they should not bear arms unless they are permitted to do so and they should not use those arms illegally that they have acquired for any act, criminal or against the State.”
He said if they do so, as clearly as this group (Buxton) has been doing, then, “whatever warfare it takes to get to them the State has to engage, it has to, it does not have a choice.”
Gunmen invaded the East Coast Demerara community around 02:00h this morning killing 11 persons, including five children. Several others were also injured.
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Human Services Ministry – extending care, assistance to many
Georgetown, GINA, January 26, 2008
The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security over the past year effected changes in its many units to ensure that the needs of Guyanese are adequately met as the administration continued to pursue reducing the poverty level.
Among the key highlights of the year were the granting of assistance to thousands of Guyanese, removing children from the streets and initiating the reform of the sexual offences law.
Reforming the sexual offences act
The Ministry completed its schedule of regional consultations on the sexual violence Paper ‘Stamp it out’. The paper is the first step toward reforming the outdated 1894 laws on sexual offences.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Priya Manickchand and a team from the Ministry met with residents, school children, and members of the police force, legal fraternity and other pertinent members of society seeking their opinions prior to the institution of the new law. A number of changes are proposed in the Paper such as establishing referral centres in hospitals, changing the definition of rape and introducing a sexual offences court.
 Minister Manickchand makes a presentation at a ‘Stamp it out’ consultation
Women Empowerment
The Women’s Affairs Bureau (WAB) played a key role in addressing issues related to the status of women in the 10 administrative Regions.
During the last year, over 425 persons, most of whom were women were provided with services, advice, counselling and referrals by the WAB. The Bureau, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) trained 23 young women between the ages of 15-20 in Gender and Development, Plumbing and Electrician and Youth Empowerment.
 Region Five women at a training seminar
Several outreach programmes were held in the various regions under the theme “Capacity Building for Leadership Training Programme”.
The women were trained in two-phases, in areas of leadership, community development, communication, image-building and etiquette, healthy lifestyles, gender and governance and skills training.
Provision of School Uniform
The school uniform programme continued to benefit thousands of less fortunate children, especially in the hinterland areas to encourage school attendance. Last year $40M was allocated for the distribution of the school uniform vouchers which benefitted over 20, 000 children.
 Minister Manickchand hands over a uniform voucher to a resident of Plastic City, Region Three
Old Age Pension and Public Assistance
The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security began issuing pension booklets in advance of the period of encashment. Over 36, 000 pensioners in the Ten Administrative Regions received their Pension booklets during the last two months of 2007.
The administration, in recognition of the contributions of senior citizens has continually been exploring initiatives to help them to live comfortably. Over the years, the administration has constantly been increasing pension grant which stood at about $ 3, 500 at the end of the year.
In 2008, pensioners will benefit from a $6,000 grant while public assistance recipients will receive $4,500.
Trafficking in Persons
The anti Trafficking in Persons (TIP) unit established within the Ministry, handled all matters relating to crime. These include training of officers to handle TIP matters and conducting sensitisation seminars and workshops countrywide. During the Ministry’s countrywide consultations on the Sexual violence Paper “Stamp it out”, the TIP department assisted to further heighten awareness of the offence.
Mission Miracle Programme
In March 2007, the Ministry launched its “Mission Child Protection” campaign which followed its “Miracle Mission” programme to remove children from the streets.
Over 180 children were taken off the streets and most of them have been since been reunited with their families. The others are in the Ministry’s care.
Over the years, the Administration has been creating and effecting programmes that cater to the needs of children, and this is reflected through the setting up of a Child Protecting Monitoring Database within the Human Services Ministry, the Growing up without violence project and child protection awareness campaigns.
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President meets with families of victims of Lusignan shooting
-expresses his condolences-vows action will be taken
Georgetown, GINA, January 26, 2008
President Bharrat Jagdeo and a team today ventured into the village of Lusignan on the East Coast of Demerara which has been plunged into a state of mourning and grief following the cold-blooded murder of 11 of its residents, including children, early this morning by criminal elements.
The Head of State’s visit followed a press conference he hosted in which he described the act by the criminals as brutal and cowardly.
“I say cowardly because only sick, demented cowards could kill defenceless children. I would like, on behalf of the Government and all the people of our country to extend our deepest condolences to the families and relatives of those who have been so brutally murdered,” President Jagdeo said at today’s press conference.
Visiting the homes of the victims today, the President attempted to console some of those who were in deep grief, while the enormity of the act was evident with bullet holes in some walls and bloody bed sheets and other objects in sight.
Some described the criminals’ weapons as huge and bullets large. They also confirmed earlier expressed fears that robbery was not the criminals’ motive but mayhem and murder since the criminals randomly moved to different homes carrying out their murderous acts.
Thousands of relatives from neighbouring villages came out in support of the families and expressed their anger and disappointment that security forces did not respond in a timely manner when called upon to assist during the time of the incident.
President Jagdeo explained that he would be investigating the matter fully and telephone records will be checked and if it is shown that this is so, then action will be taken against these security personnel.
The residents are claiming that they telephoned several police stations in the surrounding areas such as the Vigilance Police Station but were instead given different numbers to call. They also told the President that it took the police about an hour and a half to get to the scene of the crime.
Many angry residents stated that they want action to be taken by the Authorities in this matter as the lives of several innocent children have been lost.
The Head of State assured the residents that the security forces, including the Joint Services have been put on full alert and will be dispatched to the East Coast villages. They have also been instructed to pursue the criminal gang who allegedly perpetrated the act while moves are being made to resuscitate Community Policing Groups.
Only recently, the President announced at a press conference that following a shoot-out between police and criminals at Mahaicony, three weapons were recovered and the weapons included two belonging to the Guyana Defence Force and were issued to the Ministry of National Development during the 1970s. Following this, Army records revealed that over 200 weapons were issued to the Ministry during the 1970s as well.
The 1970s was during the time when the former People’s National Congress (PNC) was in office and President Jagdeo said an investigation is being launched to ascertain the number of weapons issued to the Ministry and to other agencies, if any, and how many have not been returned. He had stated too that what needed to be queried was how some of these weapons got into the hands of criminal elements.
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Diplomatic community indicates willingness to assist Gov’t
-in wake of Lusignan tragedy
Georgetown, GINA, January 26, 2008
Members of the diplomatic community today issued a call to all those who were involved in the brutal murder of the Lusignan residents to refrain from any actions that will further inflame the situation and which undermine the country’s progress.
At a press briefing at the Grand Coastal Inn, East Coast Demerara it was indicated that the diplomatic community remains steadfast in its support for Guyana. They were optimistic that this is a challenge that Guyana will overcome.
Those present at the briefing were British High Commissioner Fraser Wheeler, Ambassador of the European Commission to Guyana, Geert Heikens, Charge d’ Affaires of the Canadian High Commission Marc Mostovic and United States Ambassador David Robinson
According to British High Commissioner Fraser Wheeler, the Government of Guyana has not requested any assistance however; he indicated that his Government stands willing to help.
The British Government is already involved in working with Guyana on security sector reform and is in the process of implementing early actions that would increase capacity of the security forces to respond quickly to security situations, to build intelligence capacity in the forces and operations room so that there is effective response.
The British Government will be assisting the security forces with defensive wear and training.
Wheeler said the British Government has agreed with the Government to take a comprehensive approach to deal with the problems of crime and security in the country.
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(From Left) EC Ambassador to Guyana Geert Heikens, British High Commissioner Fraser Wheeler, US Ambassador David Robinson and Charge d’ Affaires of the Canadian High Commission Marc Mostovic at press briefing held at the Grand Coastal Inn, E.C.D.
Ambassador, David Robinson said he believes the Guyana Defence Force and the Guyana Police Force are capable of responding appropriately and if needed his Government will assist.
Robinson said instances like the Lusignan tragedy have happened in the United States and the first response is exactly what happened here; shock, anger and determination to prevent a recurrence.
He said what has to happen now is that the Police, Organs of Government and Civil Society have to agree that a vigorous investigation and prosecution is launched within the boundary of the rule of law.
Ambassador of the European Commission to Guyana, Geert Heikens said the country has to continue on the path of progress in which it is going and that will be the best route for Guyana to maintain stability and security in the country.
“This is a very serious crime issue and the ethnicity is not what is important The crime issue is what has to be addressed and as the diplomatic community and Government partner we hope it is addressed in furthering Guyana’s development,” Chairge d’ Affaires of the Canadian High Commission Marc Mostovic said.
Wheeler said his Government is working with the government of Guyana to prevent arms from getting into the wrong hands.
The Security Sector Reform programme aims to create capacity among the security forces and a decision-making framework that is more effective, transparent and accountable.
Wheeler said he hopes this approach on crime and security will have an impact on the ability to be able to operate effectively in this country.
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Guyanese should respond with restraint- Prime Minister
- in wake of Lusignan tragedy
Georgetown, GINA, January 26, 2008
The recent tragic event which struck Lusignan, East Coast Demerara in the early hours of this morning is seen as an assault on all Guyana according to Prime Minister Samuel Hinds. He therefore, called on Guyanese to respond with restraint.
The Prime Minister joined several other Government Ministers and concerned citizens on a visit to the community today in an effort to bring calm to the angry residents, some of whom protested on the railway embankment and the community’s public road.
Prime Minister and team also visited the homes of the families of those who were gunned down while in their homes by a group of heavily armed gunmen who went on a rampage south of Lusignan, killing 11 persons including children. Three others are hospitalized.
“I was very touched by the pleadings of the people in the community who saw themselves as Guyanese being assaulted. When we think of the children who were affected it was extremely painful, to see people like all of us who are struggling to make a living,” Prime Minister Hinds said.
After taking a first hand look at the situation, the Prime Minister said he understood the people’s level of enragement. He however, urged that they contain their anger or more people could be hurt.
The tragedy, according to the Prime Minister, comes at a time when government is in the process of finalising plans to further promote greater development of Guyana.
“This tragedy also comes at a time when our people are becoming more cognisant of the fact that they are Guyanese and are being more vigilant of criminal elements who are against us,” the Prime Minister added.
An urgent meeting was summoned by Head of State President Bharrat Jagdeo with members of the security forces following the incident to formulate a progamme of action to pursue and apprehend the criminals.
The Prime Minister expressed hope that this action would lead to a successful outcome before more innocent lives are lost. He said all Guyanese should be supportive of the security forces in their efforts.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security Priya Manickchand who was also on the scene today said the outrage and hurt expressed by the Lusignan community is also the sentiments of all Guyanese.
She joined the Prime Minister in urging residents to demonstrate restraint in their expressions and abstain from levelling their anger against any racial or ethnic group. She also urged persons in leadership positions to desist from making statements that would “inflame” the situation.
“I have every confidence that Guyana is going to rise up and face down this challenge and that we are going to, as a people, charter a way forward where we can rid ourselves of this atrocious behaviour. We have however, to remember that only inhumane persons would do such a thing and no particular segment of society should be held responsible,” Minister Manickchand said.
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