–calls for comprehensive, efficient investigation into their murder, followed by a timely prosecution of the ‘perps’
THE Bar Council of the Bar Association of Guyana on Thursday expressed its deepest condolences and sincere sympathies to the families of the young men who tragically lost their lives in recent incidents which occurred in West Coast Berbice.
“We unreservedly stand with the families, friends and loved ones of Josiah Henry, Isaiah Henry, and Haresh Singh, all now deceased, together with other members of society and organisations in calling for a comprehensive, transparent, impartial and efficient investigation, followed by a timely prosecution, so that the perpetrators who caused the horrific loss of these teenage lives can be brought to justice,” the Council said in a statement.
It went on to say that while empathising with the inconsolable loss and sorrow of the relatives of the young men, its members are compelled to, and must, condemn in the strongest terms, the unlawful actions of other members of society over the past three days, which have caused the loss of life, the incitement of hatred and ill will by persons in our society against our neighbours and other members of society, the unprovoked acts of violence, the malicious destruction of property and the disruption of livelihoods.
“Not only do the condemned actions violate many of our Criminal Laws, but they threaten the foundation of our society and the Rule of Law,” the Council said, adding that Guyana is still a developing democracy; a democracy that is built on the Rule of Law, respect for Human Rights, and regard for our collective human dignity.
“We have come too far as a society to permit ourselves to descend into anarchy, and back to bleak days. We all owe a collective responsibility to each other to live in peace, and not in pieces,” the Bar Council said, and, in closing, urged all Guyanese to act within the confines of the law to maintain peace and harmony throughout this difficult time.
“We urge members of society and leaders to be responsible in their actions, and respect the Rule of Law in addressing the recent events which have taken place in West Coast Berbice,” the Council said.
