Tragic end of a Guyanese – is it grace or justice?

Aug 02, 2008 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
Allow me to share my deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the late Akbar Alli of Logwood.
This tragic ending of a young husband and cold blooded ruin of a father of two young souls resonates a terrible pain that sits unmitigated in the souls of thousands, who know him and who don’t.

I am far away from home, but can still see that smile on Akbar’s face. Having known him for almost 15 years, as he moved from Bush Lot to study Islam at Zeeburg, he temporarily stayed in Enmore by his aunt, along with his friend.

He later married and lived in Logwood. Having run a trucking service for years transporting sugar workers, and recently selling scrap metal, Akbar has always proven to be that ambitious hard working young Guyanese who will stay and make the best of any halaal venture.

He’s such a loving person that anyone can get help from him, and no matter how much you may anger him or be preachy, he would respond with a sweet smile.

While he did not build the nearby mosque in Logwood, he definitely contributed immensely to its present form and substance.

Akbar, you will surely be missed. And his closest friends were not only Indo-Guyanese. Visit his mosque or his home service and you’ll see.

Snuffing out his life is indeed senseless and animalistic. While the family mourns and many try to awaken from this life-altering shock, we are left with more questions than answers.

Yes, as Muslims we say it’s his time. We find solace in the fact that death is pre-calculated and everyone has to leave on his appointed time.

Yet the heart will not accept easily, in the thick of grievance, the tragic death of a son of Guyana, who has always lived with love and peace, being charitable and managing his business the best way possible.

Imagine the terrible sadness his kids will grow with. Of course, we pray they all receive closure soon. What about his lovely wife, who stood by his side in good and bad, being the perfect choice of his love?

She witnessed it. The money was taken, so why shoot him? Handing these mindless robbers the money is the right thing to do, rather than life; but that, too, seems not to work.

The irony of this happening at the vicinity of protection and him expiring at the threshold of life-saving adds to the mental turmoil.

Will better security of transporting large sums of money be implemented, scrutiny of elements at financial stores and easier access for businessmen to be licensed be looked into?

This loss has indeed united the communities, as people of varying religious organisations rally to engage in Akbar’s funeral. But will pressure be put, with that united voice, on protesting the further decay of security and respect of life?

How many more have to die before the excuse of deportees and limited resources is thrown out? I have to mourn, as much as I have to seek grace, when I think of these murderous loose canons.

Just as Muhammad forgave the marauding Quraish, or Jesus let go of the Pharisees, I’m sure Akbar’s place in Heaven will make him let go of vengeful hate that seems to serenade every conversation.

However, this does not mean justice and security will have to be compromised, and the pains of this grieving family have to be balm with the downpours of oblivion.

The present drama out of Toronto, called Sweet Karaila, jettisons us into the deeper knowledge of what happens when callous individuals seek quick gratification without respect for anyone — not even family and life.

It also reminds us that the myth of racism is as weak as El Dorado and its seeking. Hope Guyanese gets to see it when it comes to CARIFESTA and take heed – that crime has no colour.

Yet how much condemnation have we received, how many are working to heal, and who is willing to educate our people that crime doesn’t pay?

May the families find patience and the deceased rest in peace. May the police be guided sooner and grace-storm our nation.

Last year, another brother was gunned down in Corentyne trying to save his son from robbers. Today he’s semi-paralysed and the community seems to move on, forgetting these victims are our own sons of a magnificent contribution. But who cares?

To Sister Romeena, Hajji Hyder’s grand-daughter and Akbar’s wife: love is powerful, and your life with him was well worth every drop of it. Once there is life there is hope.

The Quran says in 5:32 “On that account: We ordained for the Children of Israel that if any one slew a person – unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land – it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people”.
Habeeb Alli