Residents of Rose Hall stage vigil on anniversary of armed assault
Guyana Chronicle
July 24, 2003
GEORGETOWN, GINA -- Residents of Rose Hall Town, Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) participated in a vigil last Monday to mark the first anniversary of the July 21, 2002 armed assault on their community by gunmen. The assault resulted in the death of PYO activist, Balram Kandhai and police constables Ramphal Pardat and Outar Kissoon.
A number of persons reflected on that sad and deadly episode which came at the height of the crime wave that followed the February 23, 2002 jailbreak.
Balram Kandhai of Essequibo Coast met his death after the conclusion of the 27th Congress of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), which was held at the J.C Chandisingh School.
At the vigil to commemorate the Rose Hall assault, Information Liaison to the President, Mr. Robert Persaud said it is not only about Kandhai but it is also to remember the two policemen who were slain and the many residents who were terriorised. He added that the wounds that resulted from the incident may never be healed but those who were responsible will have to account for their murderous actions.
“Those who without just reason and provocation set out to attack and kill young people of this country are condemned. Be assure that they will face the consequences of their murderous and terrorist acts,” said Persaud.
He added, “I wish to say that those who committed those terrorist act in this community and were part and parcel of the reign of terror and criminal onslaught of the peace loving people of this country. Many of these criminal elements have been apprehended and brought to justice by the security forces, and those who are still out there will eventually be captured and forced to face the consequences of their actions. The security forces with the support of the Government have made a break through. They have broken the backbone of the criminal network.”
Persaud emphasised that people can be assured that no small group of armed persons (madmen) will be allowed to succeed in their venture to do harm and terrorise Guyanese. He, however, urged people to still keep their guard up against crime.
He pointed out that Government is committed to the fight against crime. He added that the Police and the Army have worked to arrest the crime wave.
Mr. Persaud assured the gathering that Government will do its utmost to secure the lives of all Guyanese, adding that Government would work with those who want to take the country forward and ignore those who do not want progress. Mr. Persaud added that Government is doing its best to ensure that all Guyanese citizens live in peace and security.
Also speaking at the vigil, Regional Chairman of Region Six, Mr. Kumkarran Ramdass said, “We are convinced that those who committed the act of terrorising Rose Hall last year, were politically motivated.”
He added that parents must learn from the incident and they should recommit themselves to securing the future of young people in Guyana. He said that there are still some people who try to prevent people from their rights and democracy.
Mr. Ramdass said, “Our party is very strong in its call and commitment to nation building, national unity and consensus. We have to guard against those dark elements and forces that continue to use various methods and issues such as political, economical and religious issues and different arguments to deny and confuse us. There is this deep urge within us to have political stability by working together as a people.”
Member of Parliament, Mr. Zulfikar Mustapha said Kandhai will always be remembered and he cannot be brought back to life but he and others must be honoured for the sacrifices they made for democracy in Guyana.
Mayor of Rose Hall, Mr. William Hendrick said Rose Hall would never forget what happened on July 21, 2002. He sadly recalled how Kandhai died in his lap after the bullets hit him. He pointed out that those who committed the act will punish for taking the young man’s life away. He also reiterated that the persons who committed that act last year were politically motivated.
Hundreds attended the vigil, which witnessed prayers and songs by representatives of the Hindu, Muslims and Christian communities.
