Unity crucial to elimination of violence

Jan 30, 2009 News

-Bishop Edghill

Chairman of the Ethic Relations Commission (ERC), Bishop Juan Edghill, has said that Guyanese need to unite and speaking out against violence in all forms.
According to him, the ills of society should be tackled in its early stages so that the justice system can deal with the perpetrators in an effective manner.
He made these comments on the first anniversary of the Lusignan massacre, on Monday.
Bishop Edghill said that condoning violence and innocent killings will not in any way develop the country but deprive citizens of a glorious Guyana.
“What is truly glorious is justice, fairness, and the protection of the fundamental rights of every citizen. What is glorious in life is the opportunity to peacefully enjoy all of its facets. What is glorious is when we live lives in which we recognise and honour the essential dignity, decency, and humanity of every member of our society.”
He also said that although one year has passed since the brutal shooting to death of the 11 victims – Clarence Thomas, Vanessa Thomas, Ron Thomas, Mohandai Goordat, Seegopaul Harilall, Seegobin Harilall, Dhanwajie Ramsingh, Seecharran Rooplall, Raywattie Ramsingh, Shazam Mohammed and Shaleem Baksh – the pain and grief are still fresh in minds and lives will never be the same.
Bishop Edghill said that the Lusignan Massacre was a dreadful human tragedy with many victims, not only the deceased. “It affected each of us in some way or the other and this is why we should all stand united, and speak loudly with one voice, when we say that the brutal killing of those innocent men, women and children marked a dark and reprehensible moment for our country.”
According to him, remembering the Lusignan massacre highlights the simple truth that “if a country is to have hope, human rights must be respected and life must be valued.” Guyana, he added, cannot be an exception.
“In the aftermath of this barbaric killing, we are left to wonder how people can commit such an act and what measures people of goodwill can take to ensure that such an outrageous crime is never repeated.”
Bishop Edghill said this will be the biggest tribute to those who lost their lives last year. “This massacre reinforces our sense of outrage at the cruelty that humans are capable of, but it also rekindles our admiration for life and the value of it and despite the horror, the Ethnic Relations Commission was able to conduct dialogue with thousands of affected persons in the aftermath.”
According to him, the Inter-Intra Community Dialogue allowed traumatised villagers to express their views and concerns at a neutral forum which helped to clear some misconceptions and beliefs by people of different ethnic groups and to a great extent prevented an ethnic war in our country.
He added that some of the recommendations put forward by the villagers included placing emphasis on educating youths on racial harmony, the correct ethnic terms should be taught at home and at the primary school level, parents should desist from making racist remarks, and the television should be a medium to heal.
The Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) on Monday evening held an inter-faith vigil on the occasion of the first anniversary of the victims of the Lusignan Massacre.
Executive Member of the Indian Arrival Committee, Evan Persaud said that the entity would make the vigil an annual event so that Guyanese will never forget what happened.
He added that they are working on a monument to commemorate the 11 persons who were killed.
Several persons delivered brief remarks at the event, among them Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud, and religious leaders of all faiths.

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