Lindeners hold vigil for comrades slain in 2012 protests

Jul 21, 2014 News

Lindeners turned out in vast numbers last Friday for a candle light vigil for their three comrades who were killed, two years ago, during a protest against the imposition of an increase in electricity tariffs for the mining town.

Congregating at the proposed site of the memorial park and monument to be built in honor of the three martyrs, residents lit their candles and sang songs of praise and worship.

Pastor Maurice McKinnon in his reflections on the memorial Service at Bamia earlier in the day, noted, “When I saw how mother Lewis, Allan Lewis’s mother wept, on that tomb, it really spoke to me, when I saw how Ms. Bouyea broke down, it really spoke volumes.

“As Lindeners we’re not to let their sacrifice go in vain, we’ve got to resolve to be united, we got to stand together and not take this thing lightly. God is looking at us to see what kind of attitude that we will display to these families, because He is looking and he is a fair and just God.”

McKinnon exhorted that the sacrifices that were made on July 18^th must be remembered every year.

He asked Lindeners to think of the consequences if the imposition of increased electricity tariffs were allowed to stand.

With regards to the building of the monument park, and the building of a facility to house the new Linden television station, and other developmental projects, McKinnon said that he was proud to be a part of such a trust that will see Linden become a model community that others would strive to emulate.

Regional Chairman Sharma Solomon in his inimitable style chanted “No retreat, No Surrender”, at the beginning of his presentation, in which he reflected on the tragic events of July 18, 2012.

“Lindeners, you have to be very mindful, you have to very careful, and you cannot be intimidated, and you must never be distracted. You must never allow people to take you off the path that you’re on, because as the pastor rightly said, this is an anointed path, and you must never be afraid to walk that path.”

Solomon pointed out that though Linden would have achieved because of the position they took in 2012, it was not for that reason they were commemorating July 18^th.

“The four days we would have had for reflection in 2014, after looking back on 2012, it is most important for you to understand to remain focused not on the achievements, though we would have achieved one of the biggest victories in this nation’s history- but that is not what we are here to commemorate. We are here to commemorate those brothers who fell. Those who would have fallen not for themselves but for each and every one of you; It was their sacrifice- the ultimate sacrifice with the loss of life, and those people who were injured, many of us who suffered- it is that that we’re here to commemorate.

“We’re standing here on hallowed ground, because here is where we will erect the first monument park, which will stand as a proud symbol, where you can come in the evening for quiet walks with your family.

Solomon also alluded to a recent Kaieteur News article on the $45M that was spent on former President Jagdeo’s light bill.

“So residents shock yourselves, put this into context, his light bill could cover the entire Linden light bill. You have people who came to your community two years ago and gunned down three men and injured several dozen, so that they could force you to pay increased light bill. And here we have a former President whose light bill could pay the light bill for the entire community.”

Solomon also spoke about what was achieved through the staging of the month-long protest and also detailed several ongoing projects aimed at making the community more economically viable.

Monica Castang, sister of the slain Allan Lewis, attempted to speak of the pain and suffering her family endured following her brother’s death, but was too overcome to continue. (Enid Joaquin)

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Lindeners hold vigil for comrades slain in 2012 protests

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