GAWU Concerned about Courtroom Allegations Against GDF

When, in 2005, four East Coast, Demerara sugar workers disappeared amidst the unprecedented crime wave gripping Guyana then, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) called on the government and the security services to “clear the bush, cleanse the land.”

This call was made then and again after the Lugisnan Massacre of early 2008. It was an appeal and advice to the security forces to rid the backlands periphery of certain East Coast villages of dense bush which provided a natural safe haven for the murderous marauders then roaming and pillaging the Demerara Coastal communities. This call was finally heeded in early 2008 led principally, by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) which has established a base aback of the besieged village of Buxton.

Now, GAWU has noted that, most ironically, allegations have been made by a defendant attorney under oath, Robert Simels, in a New York Eastern District Court trial, that senior officers of the GDF participated in or supervised the removal of the decapitated bodies of the four slain sugar workers from the front to the backlands of Buxton. Could this be true? Must this be believed? GAWU is cautious, but concerned that those rogue elements of the army have been accused. Long before the New York trial, rumours were persistent on the East Coast, Demerara, of the GDF with the organised criminals. GAWU also notes with interest that the former GDF officers recently named have offered no denials.

Since, based on the testimonies and allegations so far made during the trials, top officials are being accused and hounded for explanations, should not those officers identified in the same court be called upon for a response?

GAWU again; somewhat unfortunately, sympathizes with the anguished wives and families of Sookram Dhani, Hardat, Maikram Sawh and Sampersaud Taranauth. There might be cold comfort in this type of closure, but GAWU contends that truth and justice might be long in coming but come they eventually will.

All bandits, crooks and their conspirators will face a fate worst than they meted out to innocent victims. “Time is surely longer than twine.” May those sugar-workers’ souls rest in eternal peace.