–call for calm, while police take ‘swift action’ to apprehend those responsible

THE Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), along with several societal organisations on Monday condemned what they’ve fittingly described as “senseless”, the killing over the weekend of 19-year-old Joel Henry, and his 16-year-old cousin, Isaiah Henry at Cotton Tree, West Coast Berbice.
The Commission, by way of a press statement, is calling for swift action to be taken by the police to apprehend those responsible, while at the same time urging the nation to remain calm in the face of the pockets of unrest that have erupted following the boys’ death.
“The Commission is pleading with Guyanese, especially those residing in the West Coast Berbice and nearby communities, to remain calm and allow the Police to do their work,” the race relations watchdog said, adding:

“The ERC remains firm that, first and foremost, the law must take its course. The Commission, therefore, appeals to Guyanese to desist from any activity which can contribute to unnecessary tension, as it is hopeful that those responsible will be brought to justice.”
It also seized the opportunity to extend its condolences to the relatives and friends of the two teens, whose lives were so senselessly cut short while they were still in their prime.

Weighing in also on the matter was the Private Sector Commission (PSC), which, via a press statement also issued on Monday, said that it was “with a sense of utter revulsion” that it learnt of the murder of the two teenaged cousins.
“We join the voices of the private sector, and, we would like to think, the entire country, in calling upon the nation to remain calm, while the police do their job to bring the perpetrators to justice, while we condemn this brutal heinous act,” the PSC said, adding: “Our deepest sympathy and condolences go out to the grieving families.”
Lending its voice also to the conversation was the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), which noted that the brutal killings of the teen boys must not go unpunished.

“The horrific killing of these young men, who ventured to the backlands to obtain coconuts, a task they reportedly have done on several occasions, is uncalled for, and is, undoubtedly, the product of depraved minds,” the organisation said, adding:
“The shocking discovery has sent a thunderbolt of anger through several communities, as people are understandably upset. Inasmuch as we recognise the deep-seated sentiments harboured, we urge that protests be peaceful, and do not bring harm to people nor property.”
In sharing similar sentiments, the Black Lives Matter-Guyana movement said: “…We strongly urge the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to not relent in doing a thorough investigation into what may appear to be a hate crime.”