On the fateful evening of March 10, 2015, Guyana was rocked by the senseless assassination of political activist Courtney Crum-Ewing. As he bravely stood at the intersection of 3rd Ave and the northernmost road in Diamond, Crum-Ewing was mercilessly shot in the back of his head while making public announcements urging citizens to exercise their right to vote.
The circumstances surrounding Crum-Ewing’s murder remain shrouded in mystery and controversy. Despite the family’s call for an independent investigation with international pathologists and forensic experts, justice has remained elusive. Crum-Ewing’s peaceful protests outside the Attorney General’s Chambers, demanding accountability and resignation, had made him a target of intimidation and violence.
Eyewitness accounts reveal the chilling moments leading up to his death, as he fervently urged residents to vote against the ruling party, PPP/C. His unwavering commitment to democratic principles and his fearless advocacy for change cost him his life, leaving behind a grieving family and a nation in shock.
The subsequent findings of the Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh confirmed the brutal reality of Crum-Ewing’s demise, attributing his death to multiple gunshot wounds inflicted at close range. Yet, despite this damning evidence, justice has remained elusive, emblematic of the broader pattern of impunity and disregard for human rights under the PPP administration.
Crum-Ewing’s assassination serves as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by those who dare to challenge entrenched power and advocate for accountability in Guyana. His tragic death joins the ranks of countless unsolved disappearances and murders, casting a dark shadow over the nation’s democratic aspirations.
As Guyanese citizens, we must never forget the sacrifices made by individuals like Crum-Ewing in the pursuit of justice and democracy. We owe it to his memory and to all those who have fallen victim to political violence to demand accountability, transparency, and an end to impunity.
The legacy of Courtney Crum-Ewing serves as a beacon of hope and resilience, inspiring us to continue the fight for a more just and equitable Guyana. Let his memory fuel our determination to create a future where the voices of the oppressed are heard, and where justice prevails over fear and intimidation.
In the pursuit of justice for Courtney Crum-Ewing and all victims of political violence, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to upholding the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
May his soul rest in peace, and may his memory be a catalyst for change.
WE WILL NEVER FORGET
Derek Singer