The following is the statement by the Minister:
“I HAD hoped that the dawning of a New Year, with its promise of better things to come, could have started on a different note but the slaying of two of our police ranks and a violent assault on the East Ruimveldt Police Outpost, during the past three days, again highlight the dangers our law enforcers face, on and off duty. That there was no encounter or even an exchange of fire when these two young policemen were murdered indicates the selective cold-blooded targeting of the dedicated, brave members of the Guyana Police Force.

“These latest killings and the attack on the East Ruimveldt Police Outpost are no doubt part of a campaign intended to intimidate and demoralise the members of the Guyana Police Force.

“His Excellency, the President Bharrat Jagdeo had alluded to this in his New Year's Address to the Nation: "I want to acknowledge the courage and dedication of the members of our law enforcement agencies in making our homes, communities and country safer. They deserve our full support. As a society, we must collectively condemn the slaying of our law officers and the terrorising of innocent citizens. The criminals must know that there will be no safe-havens and that no resource of the State will be spared in bringing them to justice'.

“I wish to reinforce this statement.
“These brutal, murderous acts must only fortify the resolve of our police ranks as they combat the notorious criminals. Those who seek to criminalise our society by targeting our lawmen and terrorising innocent citizens, must know that the efforts of our law enforcement agencies will succeed in making our society safer.

“Attempts by the criminals to cower our police ranks as they go about their duty - to protect and serve the people of Guyana - will surely be defeated.

“The fearless ranks on the frontline of the fight against crime are again assured of the Government's unwavering commitment to the law enforcement agencies to take the necessary measures and initiatives to ensure their personal safety and welfare.

“I wish to express my sincerest condolences to the bereaved relatives of Constable Roberts and Constable La Tour and hope for a smooth and speedy recovery of those injured in the East Ruimveldt Police Outpost assault.