Latest update September 18th, 2026 10:25 AM
There exists elements in the society that are capable of neutralizing anyone
Dear Editor,
Between 2002 and 2006, over 200 Guyanese citizens were allegedly murdered by a Para-military outfit called the ‘Phantom Squad’. This group of obviously well trained and well armed individuals stalked Guyana and operated with impunity.
Many commentators have explored various theories concerning the operation of this elite squad that was headed by the now incarcerated former drug lord, self appointed vigilante and businessman, Roger Khan.
The opposition, civil society, and the international community have all strenuously called on the Guyana Government to conduct an independent enquiry into the activities of this death squad. Sadly all these calls have been greeted with the stubbornness of outright refusal by the Government.
Why would a government blatantly refuse to investigate the operations of an elite bounty hunter squad that was operated under the guise of a civilian vigilante force? What is the Government afraid of?
Once again in Guyana, we see very well organised drive-by executions returning. Saying that certain killings are linked to certain deals going sour is pure nonsense! Because some nefarious deal goes sour and someone is killed gives just cause to write off a serious investigation? Because a dead person had brushes with the law, it is fine to not be too bothered with the circumstances surrounding his or her death?
Should a proper investigation into the operations of the Phantom Squad materialise, it might reveal many of the foot soldiers and the strategists who might still be in operation today.
After all, Guyanese need to remember that a heavily armed group of individuals once operated in Guyana wreaking havoc in this land. Guyanese must remember that a prominent businessman was kidnapped, carefully beheaded and his body dumped in the city. Have Guyanese forgotten about the execution of Ronald Waddell and the over 200 other persons? Guyanese should be concerned that among them in the streets today are many individuals who were part of that killing squad who at any time can carefully plan and execute military type strikes on anyone.
What happens to a heavily armed and well trained killing squad that is left abandoned? Do Guyanese believe that these individuals have reformed, inserted themselves into society and somehow lead normal lives? Mercenaries seldom do that!
From the recent drive-by shootings that have occurred in Georgetown, it is very clear, that there exists elements in the Guyanese society, that are very capable of neutralizing anyone who has been identified as the ‘Mark’.
Unless a full investigation into the operations of the Phantom Squad is done, Guyanese will never really know what happened during the most violent crime spree in our history. And as an unintended consequence, Guyanese will continue to witness more execution type killings as the remnants of this mysterious outfit are allowed freedom.
Richard Francois
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