‘Murders of Berbice men shall not be the beginning of a race war’ – TCI

See below statement issued by The Citizenship Initiative (TCI) on September 9, 2020:

The Citizenship Initiative would like to urge all Guyanese to refrain from adding fuel to an already horrendous situation. We ask everyone to be mindful of the things they say and do in the upcoming days in our extremely tense nation. It is imperative that we extend collective responsibility for our Peoples’ safety at this time.

It is also with a heavy heart that we acknowledge that two more Guyanese have lost their lives. Our condolences go out to the families and friends of Haresh Singh and Chatterpaul Harripaul [Prittipaul Hargobin]. We continue to share the grief of the families and friends of Isaiah and Joel Henry. Nothing will ever justify these killings.

This is truly a sombre time in our history since there is no winner when tragedy strikes. Each of these murders should be treated with the urgency and professionalism required to bring justice to the families and the nation at large. Nothing less would suffice.

These four deaths shall not be the beginning of a race war. It would be a dishonour to those who have lost their lives and their families who surely deserve justice.

We call on the Guyana Police Force to do everything within its power to bring those responsible to justice. Finally, we urge our national leaders to show solidarity in order to quell the protests and to ensure that no further lives are lost.