JUSTICE Lensley Wolfe and former National Security Minister, Keith Knight, both from Jamaica; Trinidadian Senior Counsel, Dana Seetahal and retired Guyanese Appeal Court Judge, Claudette Singh were all sworn in yesterday, to serve on the Commission of Inquiry into the shooting death during the recent Linden unrest.
They took the oath, to enquire into the circumstances surrounding the killings amidst protests over electricity tariff rates, before President Donald Ramotar in the Credentials Room at Office of the President (OP), Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown.
The fifth member of the Commission, retired Chancellor of the local Judiciary, Justice Cecil Kennard was absent and OP Press Officer, Kwame Mc Coy told the media he is on annual leave abroad and will be sworn on his return.
Following yesterday’s swearing, President Ramotar said he hopes this country will be able to quickly get to the bottom of the July 18 issues.
The Head of State is also hopeful that the Commission would come up with the answers for the many questions that still linger in the minds of citizens on what occurred on that day, some of which answers people have already decided.
Mr. Ramotar commended the Commissioners, who hail from sister Caricom countries and lauded their willingness to serve on the Commission, stating that it is a reminder that the Regional Community and its members are there to assist each other in times of need and dispels rumours that cooperation among member states is non-existent.
True reflection
He called on persons who have relevant testimonies and evidence to step forward so that the Commission can get on with its work and come up with the true reflection of what transpired on July 18.
President Ramotar said the testimonies of those who have things to say will put an end to doubts and he suggested that there be a “speedy inquiry” so that the period under review “can be put behind us and allow us to move forward.”
Justice Singh, who also spoke at the forum, said the most important thing for the Commission will be to get settled in and start work.
Asked about the suggestion that the Commission sit in Linden, she said she was not aware of it nor of the likelihood of a permanent presence in that township.
The establishment of the Commission was announced after three protesters, Shemroy Bouyea, 18, 19-year-old Ron Sommerset and Lyndon Lewis, 54, were shot dead and several buildings destroyed by arsonists amidst violent protests over the increased in electricity rates for residents of Linden in Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice).
Since then, the hike in charges for the electricity was put on hold, pending its re-examination by a special technical committee.
The Commissioners were agreed by the Government, Opposition parties and the Region 10 Administration and their representatives signed terms of the agreement just over two weeks ago.