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PNC/R reiterates call for independent inquiry into mining camp killing

Jun 29, 2008 News

Leader of the main opposition party, the PNCR’s Robert Corbin, says that he is still not convinced that there would be an independent commission of inquiry into the Lindo Creek mining camp killing. 
Corbin was at the time responding to a question from media operatives as to whether he was reassured by President Bharrat Jagdeo’s statement that there is a likelihood that an independent inquiry into the incident will be held. 
“I am not convinced, and I will only be when things start happening. Based on our experience, we have long passed the stage where we rely on statements to give us assurances that things will happen,” Corbin said. According to the Opposition Leader, President Bharrat Jagdeo has held discussions with him on the incident. He, however, said that the question that now remains is whether or not the President will implement what he promised.
“Mr. Jagdeo has said to me that a foreign pathologist would be brought in, but I have insisted that that alone is not sufficient…we have to have a proper and credible inquiry,” Corbin reiterated.
Corbin further divulged that the President’s position is that, following the pathologist’s report, other necessary action will be taken.
While noting that he was not told when the pathologist is expected in the country, Corbin said he is of the opinion that the pathologist should have been here already.
“That person should have been here already, given the fact that the site needs to be checked, based on the reports that are circulating”.
In the meantime, the party leader reiterated his call for an independent investigation into the circumstances leading to the deaths of the miners. Corbin says that, given the controversial circumstances and reports surrounding the deaths, it is incumbent for a credible commission of inquiry to be appointed to determine who was responsible for the tragedy.
“The party has taken careful note of the fact that there are at least two versions of the events surrounding the deaths of the miners…the camp owner is confident that his employees were killed by the security forces, and he has spelt out the reason,” Corbin said.  He added that the Joint Services, on the other hand, and more recently the Commissioner of Police, have issued vigorous rebuttals to Mr. Arokium’s claim.
“The security forces are contending that the miners were killed by the gunmen who were fleeing from them as they were surrounded at Christmas Falls…more puzzling is the recent statement by the Commissioner  that they are trying to locate two members of the Joint Services who were stationed in the area at the time,” Corbin added. 
He added that the party has also taken note of the views of a senior military person who is quoted in the Stabroek News of Wednesday, 25th June, 2008 as being of the opinion that the shells found at the scene of the crime do not match the weapons used by Rondell ‘Fine Man’ Rawlins and his gang.
“In this regard, it must be noted that Mr. George Arokium has stated publicly that, when the Prime Minister and the Minister of Home Affairs visited his home, they tried to persuade him to give a statement to the media to the effect that Rawlins was responsible for the deaths of his employees…he, however, rejected that request,” Corbin said.
The party expressed its condolences to the family and friends of those killed.
On Saturday, June 21, dredge owner Leonard Arokium discovered the charred remains of his son and other employees when he went into the area, some 10 miles from Christmas Falls, to take in rations for his employees.
Those killed are Clifton Wong, 46, of Norton Street, Wortmanville; Dax Arokium, 29, of Crane Place, South Ruimveldt Park; his uncle, Cedric Arokium, called Brother, 51; Bonny Harry,50, of Zorg, Essequibo; Compton Speirs, 58, of Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara; Horace Drakes, 36, of De Kenderen, West Coast Demerara; Lance Lee, called ‘Piggy,’ 40; and a youth who is reportedly from Kwakwani.

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