Hundreds of Barticians joined in solidarity Wednesday at an inter-faith prayer memorial service organised by the Region Seven Neighbourhood Democratic Council and religious organisations held at the Transport and Harbours Department stelling ,Bartica, in remembrance of the 12 persons who were slain by notorious criminals two years ago.
On February 17, 2008, a criminal gang stormed the Bartica community, killing three police officers stationed at the Bartica Police Station. They were Ron Osborne, Shane Fredericks and Zaheer Zakir. Others who perished were Edwin Gilkes, Dexter Adrian, Irving Ferreira, Deonarine Singh, Ronald Gomes, Ashraf Khan, Abdool Yasseen, Errol Thomas and Baldeo Singh.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Kellawan Lall, accompanied by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Sewchan, Member of PPP/C Clinton Collymore, and other representatives from the Ministry bonded with the community in religious songs and collective prayers from the various religious organisations in the area.
Minister Lall, addressing the gathering and the victims’ families, said that government continues to be in solidarity with them for their losses.
“I came here with a message from His Excellency Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and his Cabinet, in the form of support and solidarity to the relatives and friends of those who lost their loved ones and also support and solidarity to the community of Bartica,” Minister Lall said.
The Minister noted that the President has put mechanisms in place to address people’s differences and to find solutions to the problems to benefit the people.
“Once any two sides (government and people) are trying to deal with national issues, we are going to have that attitude.  We are going to find solutions that will benefit everyone and that will have a balance of interest,” he said.
He said it was observed that the community has a unique characteristic that, inspite of the fact it has undergone dramatic moments, the region is alive once again.
“You have done a wonderful job in healing yourselves and in coming out once again and in making a contribution to your surroundings,” he said.
The Minister noted that the essence of Local Government is reaching out and giving power to citizens, adding that the process for enforcing these policies will have to be changed.
He told them that as a region and people, they need to continue to be strong by helping each other to make the society vibrant.
The Minister also used the opportunity to inform residents about investments which will be made for the region this year.
Region Seven Chairman, Holbert Knights noted that despite the tragedy two years ago, the community is strong, and he urged that residents remain resolute to ensure that such an incident does not reocccur.
Knights also used the opportunity to appeal to authorities in the judicial system to ensure that the persons who were arrested for the crimes committed that they are charged so that the community can have closure to the matter.
“We are urging the members of the judicial community to ensure that justice does not only appear to be served, but it is served…We need to ensure that a message is sent to those who might be harbouring similar thoughts to carry out similar acts of violence and terrorism, to anyone, anywhere around this country, to send a message to them…to ensure that justice is served,” he pleaded.
Representative of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), John Willems said that it is the hope that the wounds of the victims’ families would be healed,  and that their lives would become much better.
“A great evil happened here in Bartica, a place known for its famous Regatta, sunshine and very people. A place not characterised by terror and violence,” he said.
“As we gather to observe the unforgettable horror of this event, we convey our deepest sympathy to the victims’ families, many of whom have turned their weaknesses into strength,” he said.
Willems added that such an incident reminds one that life is precious and that unity is needed.
“We need to look past our differences, embrace each other and come together as a community. We must commit ourselves in making our country and the world a better place through our own words and deeds,” he urged.    (GINA)