After the sudden demise by “hanging” of a suspect in the murder of a United States Army doctor on a visit to Guyana, we implore the President and the Government of the United States of America to intervene in the justice system in Guyana.
During the last 20 years there have been hundreds (possibly thousands) of unsolved murders and deaths in Guyana.
After the sudden demise by “hanging” of a suspect in the murder of a United States Army doctor on a visit to Guyana, we implore the President and the Government of the United States of America to intervene in the justice system in Guyana.
During the last 20 years there have been hundreds (possibly thousands) of unsolved murders and deaths in Guyana.
It is evident that there are forces that work both in and outside the judicial system who are judge, jury, and executioner in order that the truth and the mastermind(s) behind these murders are never brought to justice.
In the rare instances an accused or witness to murder is identified, many find themselves dead either by hanging, from what were initially minor injuries, after being admitted to hospital for sudden illness, executed while free on bail or killed during apprehension.
The tally of deaths started not long after the 1992 election with murder of Monika Reece in 1993, and has continued unabated, leaving thousands of family members asking who is next. Where is the justice promised to all who vociferously declared free and fair elections and promised that those elections were going to be the beginning of the path to Guyana’s social and economic prosperity?
Honest Guyanese are at the brink of extinction not because people want to be dishonest, but the economic hardship and strangulation disbursed by those who wield power via relationships in the government, and/or with unsavory characters, provides very few opportunities for the creative genius, honest efforts or ethical practices of individuals to prevail. We know that in the USA that small businesses and entrepreneurs are the backbone of the economy but in Guyana any small business is at the mercy of those in illicit businesses or political chicanery.
In all living memory Guyanese have not been subjected to such penetrating fear that should they cross paths with the wrong people their demise will be sure and swift with no recourse. This atmosphere has significantly reduced the efficacy of the United States efforts to eradicate the trafficking of persons, war on drugs and enforcing money laundering laws because no one is willing to report to the authorities anyone contravening these laws. The murders have crossed all boundaries, politicians, law enforcement, “businessmen”, and all ethnic groups.
The number of unsolved murders is at an unprecedented per capita rate for any country in the world (in peacetime) and I believe the last peaceful hope is assistance from the USA to ensure what was agreed to in the run up to the 1992 elections. We were grateful for your help then, but we need to tend to unfinished business, of which justice is a key part.
We would like for you to take some time out of your busy schedule to review this ongoing dilemma and we look forward to a response.
