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The AFC column – A MEETING WITH THE PRESIDENT
A delegation representing the AFC and comprising the Leader, Mr. Raphael Trotman, M.P., Clayton Hall, General Secretary, and David Patterson, M.P. met with President Bharrat Jagdeo on Friday last at the Office of the President.
The meeting was prompted by a letter written by party leader Raphael Trotman urging the President to appoint a Commission of Inquiry under the provisions of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, Chapter 19:03 to conduct a forensic investigation into the killings of eight miners at Lindo Creek Camp, Berbice River. The discussions were cordial.
At the meeting the AFC delegation reinforced its strong conviction that an inquiry was imperative given the growing public opinion that the security forces were involved in the incident and the implication this could have for the rule of law, the protection of human rights in Guyana and the general conduct and operations of the security forces.
The AFC leader also stressed that this latest act of gruesome killings should not be co-mingled with those of Lusignan and Bartica, the reason being that the specific allegation of security force involvement was never leveled at the Police Force or Guyana Defence Force following the incidents in Lusignan and Bartica.
The appropriateness of having an early closure for the families who need to be given answers, and to intern the remains of their deceased relatives, was also pressed by the AFC.
The President indicated that he was keeping his options open and first wanted an interim report from a forensic pathologist before proceeding with any option including that of a Commission of Inquiry into the killings.
The need to have separate and distinct processes to review past criminal activity and this most recent incident at Lindo Creek was accepted in principle by the President and so too the AFC’s representation that the talks should be broadened to include all opposition parliamentary parties and strategic members of civil society.
LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT
June 23, 2008
H.E. Bharrat Jagdeo
Executive President
Co-operative Republic of Guyana
Office of the President
New Garden Street
Georgetown
Guyana.
Dear Excellency,
The Leadership and members of the Alliance For Change presents its compliments to His Excellency and wish to express a deep sense of horror on learning the details in the newspapers of Sunday June 22, 2008, of the killing of eight miners at Lindo’s Camp, Berbice River.
Apart from these details, anecdotal information received from persons resident in the Berbice River, and elsewhere, raises many questions as to the identity of those responsible for this atrocity.
Some, as may have been brought to your attention, and as appearing in the newspapers of Monday June 23, 2008, have even suggested an involvement by the security forces.
Such an accusation is most unwarranted at this time, and if not addressed at the highest level, could have dire consequences and implications for the rule of law, the use of the military in civilian law and order operations, the displacement of trust and confidence by the citizenry in the professionalism and integrity of the disciplined forces and above all, the undermining of the foundation of Democracy and Human Rights in Guyana.
Coming in the aftermath of the most recent massacres at Lusignan and Bartica, coupled with the need to validate and give due recognition to the role and dedication of the Joint Services and more particularly the Guyana Defence Force during these testing times, I write to urge you to appoint a Commission of Inquiry under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, Chapter 19:03 of the Laws of Guyana, to conduct a forensic investigation into the killings of these miners at Lindo’s Camp. Nothing short, in the opinion of the AFC, would suffice.
The AFC implores you to take this request seriously, and in so doing, to consult the parliamentary opposition parties on your decision to identify and name Commissioners to this Commission. It would also be expected that the services of a forensic pathologist, preferably from outside of Guyana, be made available to this Commission.
This matter is urgent and requires your immediate attention.
Yours respectfully,
Sgd. Raphael Trotman, M.P.
Leader
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