IAC to observe 7th anniversary of Lusignan massacre

Jan 20, 2015 News

The Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) will be holding an inter-faith service, an “Evening of Remembrance”, on Monday, January 26, next, in observance of the seventh anniversary of the Lusignan massacre.

The five children who were among the dead.

Seven years ago, 11 Guyanese, comprising five children and six adults, were slaughtered during the massacre on the morning of January 26, 2008 by merciless gunmen armed with shotguns and AK-47s.
A press release from IAC stated that next Monday’s event, which will commence at 17:00 hrs (5:00 p.m.) at Tract “A” Lusignan (the place of the horrific crime), will be done in collaboration with the relatives of the slain victims, residents of Lusignan and the religious community.

The two men who were freed of the lusignan murders.

Tributes will be paid by the IAC, relatives and representatives of the three major religions.
Over the years the IAC has worked with the relatives, residents of Lusignan and the religious community, in commemorating this event in an effort to ensure that the memories of those whose lives were snuffed out would not fade into oblivion.
Many were affected by the massacre after gunmen invaded the homes of five Lusignan families and murdered Clarence Thomas, 48; Vanessa Thomas, 12; Ron Thomas, 11; Mohandan Goordat, 32; Seegopaul Harilall, 10; Seegobin Harilall, four; Dhanwajie Ramsingh, 52; Seecharran Rooplall, 56; Raywattie Ramsingh, 11; Shazam Mohammed, 22; and Shaleem Baksh, 52.
Several of the children were found dead in their beds.
Two members of the Rondell ‘Fine Man’ Rawlins gang, Mark Royden Williams called ‘Smallie’ and James Anthony Hyles aka ‘sally’, who were charged for the murders, were set free by a jury.
This was despite the testimony of a former gang member who turned state witness. The Director of Public Prosecutions has appealed the High Court decision.