MINISTER of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, said the Bartica Massacre did not divide the people of Bartica but has made them stronger.He made the remarks while delivering the feature address at a Memorial Service on Friday at the Monument of Hope in Bartica in memory of the 12 Guyanese who were mercilessly killed at the hands of a criminal gang on February 17, 2008. “This horrific incident has only made you stronger as a community and shows that you can rise above adversity. I am sure that it has also allowed you to have a greater appreciation for relationships and loved ones and (it) has taught you to be more understanding and tolerant,” the Social Cohesion Minister said.

In reflecting on that tragic night, he said, residents should find comfort in the fact that justice has been served. “While you reflect on the lives lost, you must find some solace in the fact that justice has prevailed in the courts. Late last year, two of the gang members responsible for the mass killing – Clebert Reece and Michael Caesar were sentenced to 420 and 1080 years in jail respectively.

“Earlier this month, two more gang men – Mark Royden Williams and Dennis Williams were sentenced to death by hanging. This will not bring back your loved ones, but surely it comforts you to see that those gunmen are being held culpable for their inhumane actions,” he said.

Minister Norton said since 2008, Bartica has made significant strides – a progress which would be allowed to continue with all hands on deck.

In addition to the Social Cohesion Minister, the people of Bartica were embraced by the Director of Sports, Christopher Jones, in their time of reflection. Region Seven Regional Chairman, Gordon Bradford, the Mayor, Gifford Marshall, the Deputy Mayor, Kamal Persaud and Commander of ‘F’ Division, Senior Superintendent Ravindradat Budram, in addition to the relatives and friends of the deceased, were among those who attended the ceremony which was organised by the Bartica Mayor and Town Council at the St. John the Baptist Primary.

The Mayor, in delivering brief remarks, said Bartica must never forget February 17, 2008, emphasising that it is their duty and commitment to honour every year those men whose lives were snuffed out.

Marshall said residents of Bartica must unite like never before and live as one in love. “Bartica must model qualities and traits that are admirable. Violence against citizens, families and children must never be condoned. In this ninth year we can be at peace knowing justice was served,” the Mayor said.

He added: “The question is: Can we forgive those who unleashed that brutal assault on our Town? It’s a process, let it begin today. Barticians let’s continue to support the families and friends of the deceased.”

Local leader, Elizabeth Moonsammy, in remembrance of those who died, said, “darkness might have engulfed us, but over the last nine years, the light has surely returned and growing even brighter. We will never forget; we will keep the memories alive and most importantly we will never allow this to happen in our community ever again.”

Those who lost their lives were Bartica residents Edwin Gilkes, Dexter Adrian and Irving Ferreira; policemen stationed at the Bartica Police Station, Lance Corporal Zaheer Zakir, Constables Shane Fredericks and Ron Osborne; Deonarine Singh of Wakenaam; Ronald Gomes of Kuru Kururu; Ashraf Khan of Middlesex, Essequibo; Abdool Yasseen, Errol Thomas of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo and Baldeo Singh of Montrose, East Coast Demerara.