Slaughter of the Innocents GAWU’s Message Re’ the Lusignan Massacre

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) mourns the deaths of the victims of last week-end’s Lusignan Massacre. The union is humbled by the loss and grief being experienced by the surviving relatives and friends of the gunned-down victims.

GAWU wishes to share two views. The first view is that the massacre is a manifestation of “the lowest level of human behavior.” Secondly, the communities must not merely mourn, they – and we – must ORGANISE.

Expressions of condolence must now go hand in hand with a national insistence on a complete review of the security arrangements for communities scattered throughout this country. GAWU appreciates all the actual efforts and assurances now in place, but like the rest of the vulnerable is convinced that much much more MUST be done in a hurry.

The current security forces have to be supplemented with specific, well-trained, even sophisticated groups of law enforcement agents. Intelligence-gathering must not be compromised by the deceitful and deadly rogue elements amongst the forces. GAWU recommends more well-equipped Police Outposts in the heart of village communities, more vehicles for more mobile patrols, additional recruitment into the Police Force and temporary specialized assistance from overseas.

Other aspects of the new security arrangements must take into account the existence of collaboration between certain despicable villagers who offer safe haven to the murderous marauders and the bandits themselves. All of these criminals do NOT inhabit the backlands. They rob, maim and kill, then filter right back into the communities with relatives and friends. Any proper and complete security agency must be able to infiltrate this evil enterprise with all its criminal support systems.

As GAWU mourns the loss of innocent children who had no connection with the murderous killers, GAWU also recognizes the loss of the adults. The massacre has made its way into the international media. Guyana’s image is at stake. We are no hotbed of warfare or conflicts. Yet our image as a peaceful secure society is being compromised by a band of inter-village terrorists.

The Government and the law enforcement agencies, therefore, must move to correct this state of affairs as ultimately it can affect our economy. Economy apart, the very good and welfare, security and longevity of our nation’s people are at stake. GAWU urges instant action with long-term objectives.

The union feels that the best tribute that can be paid to the victims is the review and implementation of improved security arrangements – both at the community and national levels. These practical considerations we urged as we mourn the mindless and barbarous slaughter of innocents.