In the statement they expressed sadness at the death saying that it "has come as a complete shock" to the GUSIA members, including the Khadija Rahaman family, headed by incumbent GUSIA President Mr. Hafiz Rahaman.

Those members of the Rahaman family who were active in the organisation, have been residing in the U.S. for the past four years, the statement said.

In this period one of the two men charged by the Police with the murder of Abdool, Nazir Hamid, had been acting in the capacity of President of the GUSIA, it explained.

It added that Hamid was also appointed manager of K. Rahaman and Sons, the family's business firm, and was supervising the daily functioning of the Shaheed Boys' Orphanage in Kitty, Georgetown.

Extending its deepest sympathies to the Raheem family, GUSIA said Hamid's alleged criminal behaviour was "incomprehensible".

The organisation said it "fully supports" the investigations being pursued by the Police Force.