WE MUST NEVER FORGET.

At Lusignan memorial service… Prime Minister plugs constitution of ‘Truth and Reconciliation Commission’ --to help nation heal, move on

Written by GINA

Sunday, 27 January 2013 01:37

PRIME Minister Mr Samuel Hinds, performing the duties of president, said Friday evening the nation is still plagued by the massacre in Lusignan, and reminded those gathered at the commemoration ceremony in observance of the fifth anniversary of the killings that their experience, loss and terror were felt by all Guyanese.

Prime Minister, Mr Samuel Hinds speaking at the event

“We cannot forget the senseless loss of life that ripped apart Lusignan,” he said at the commemoration ceremony at Track A, Lusignan, East Coast Demerara where, on January 26, 2008, 11 innocent persons lost their lives. The villagers in particular were urged to “Live your best lives, and show all of Guyana that you can overcome one of life’s greatest adversities: the loss of a loved one.” With reference to a recent motion tabled in the House by Opposition Leader, Mr David Granger, calling for an enquiry into killings from 2004 to 2010, Mr Hinds said while the government is amenable to the idea, there is need for a broader enquiry; one that could lead to the constitution of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Noting that such a decision is needed to promote healing in Guyana, Mr Hinds said: “The PPP/C is ready to take part in any enquiry, once set in the full context of circumstances.” Such action, he said, could see the turning of a new leaf for the nation, and help citizens move forward as one.

Mrs Gomattie Thomas

The ultimate sacrifice of the victims must never be forgotten, Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) member, Neaz Subhan said. He lauded those surviving family members who he said are an inspiration to others who have been affected by similar incidents such as the Bartica massacre which occurred within days of the Lusignan killings. Also delivering remarks was Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) representative, Sarvan Jagnarine, who lamented that many of those who were alleged to have orchestrated the event were still seen as leaders in the society. This sentiment was also echoed by Junior Finance Minister Juan Edghill, who helped to counsel many of the villagers. Minister Edghill described the attackers as cowards who killed defenceless people and hailed the surviving relatives who asked him to send out a message of peace, harmony and unity despite their losses. He added that violence in all forms cannot be justified and called on all political leaders to condemn such killings. Mrs Gomattie Thomas, the widow of one of the victims, spoke briefly, recalling her slain husband and a son and daughter who were shot on that night. She hid behind a curtain in the house with two sons who survived. The proceedings featured bhajans, songs, hymns and poems as well as prayers from Christian, Hindu and Muslim representatives. On January 26, 2008, gunmen stormed into the small village of Lusignan, and murdered the 11, including five children and six adults. The gunmen, armed with shotguns and AK-47s invaded the homes of five Lusignan families around 2:00 a.m and within 20 minutes all were murdered. The victims were: Clarence Thomas, 48; Vanessa Thomas, 12; Ron Thomas, 11; Mohandan Goordat, 32; Seegopaul Harilall, 10; Seegobin Harilall, 4; Dhanwajie Ramsingh, 52; Seecharran Rooplall, 56; Raywattie Ramsingh, 11; Shazam Mohammed, 22; and Shaleem Baksh, 52.

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