Students meet with Minister Gajraj and UNDP
Students from Critchlow College signing the book of Condolence.

Guyana Chronicle
March 6, 2003

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MEMBERS of the University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS) met with representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Minister of Home Affairs, Ronald Gajraj during the third protest march yesterday from campus to the City.

The students marched from University of Guyana to Sheriff Street and spent some time there, where Douglas met his untimely demise before marching down Home Stretch Avenue and into Brickdam.

According to President of the UGSS Robert Bourne, the meeting with the UN representative was fruitful, and they promised to represent their cause.

The UNDP representatives expressed their sympathy and indicated to the Executive of the UGSS that they have been looking at the situation of extra judicial killings and other matters for quite a while.

They also said they share the concern of the students and will convey it to the UN Head Quarters, according to Bourne.

The letter submitted by the Guyana Bar Association was already dispatched to Head Quarters, they said, and promised to keep dialogue ongoing with the UGSS.

UGSS Executives said that they are very satisfied with the reception and response received.

Wearing black or red arm bands, the students moved to Brickdam Police Station to voice their concern before moving to Ministry of Home Affairs where they had a closed door meeting with the Minister.

According to Mr. Bourne, Minister Ronald Gajraj made it clear that he is not confident with the way the Police are functioning and said that he is also touched by this issue.

The Minister made a commitment that the findings of the report will be made public on Saturday.

He noted that the names of the officers cannot be released unless they are charged.

Mr. Bourne urged the students to get as much rest as possible since they are keeping vigil in the night and marching in the day. He expressed his confidence that it will come to a fruitful end.

He added that the Minister said that the cause is a just one and he admired their effort.

The Minister also asked the delegation to convey his apologies for being unable to meet with them since he had a prior pressing engagement.

Meanwhile the team will meet with representatives from the diplomatic community today. They are scheduled to meet the US and Canadian Ambassadors today.

Books of condolences were opened and up to yesterday afternoon over three thousand persons had affixed their signature.

One of the Coordinators Christopher James told the Guyana Chronicle that several noted personalities signed including members of both the Guyana Defence Force and Guyana police Force.

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