GAWU’s Statement on the Bartica Massacre

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) extends its sincere sympathy, regrets and condolences to the survivors and relatives of the victims of the Bartica Massacre which occurred on Sunday evening, February 17, 2008.

Just three weeks after the slaughter of the eleven (11) innocents at Lusignan, ECD, murderous gunmen, obviously well trained, organized and supported as agents of domestic terrorism, struck at the traditionally peaceful location and community of Bartica.

Ironically, Bartica is a hinterland township of mixed Guyanese who live in relative peace and harmony on a daily basis. Co-incidentally, many of Bartica’s residents, like other sports-loving Guyanese were watching on television a mixed united cricket team of Guyanese beat Antigua in an exciting Twenty/20 Cricket Match when the rampaging marauders struck.

The precision and sequence of the murderous exercise suggests much military-like planning and logistical support – uniforms, weaponry, transportation, and knowledge of the area.

GAWU is left to enquire: what is the long-term agenda of these agents of death and destabilization? Who are their supportive backers, financers, mentors and sponsors? GAWU suggests that all the Consultations, Security Plans and Stakeholder input can be compromised if hidden long-term agendas formulated by some who would want to consult. Just observe the threat to National Unity.

The Union, never-the-less, supports a National Approach to arrest this unprecedented terrorist enterprise in our beloved country. As we stated after Lusignan we are convinced that the best tribute which can be paid to Bartica thirteen (13) is a government-people driven, national strategy to safe-guard every community in Guyana with trained personnel, appropriate weaponry and technology to prevent the repetition of such murderous attacks.

GAWU pleads that we honour the fallen of Lusignan and Bartica by offering maximum lasting security and protection to the nation’s survivors.