Some killers continue to be paid by the ones they violated - Solomon

Some killers continue to be paid by the ones they violated – Solomon

Jul 28, 2015 News

– Calls on Guyana to sound its voice for Waddell, McKinnon, Shaw and Crum-Ewing

Quoting the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter,” former Region Ten Chairman, Sharma Solomon, called on all Guyanese to sound a united voice in solidarity with the relatives of victims of extrajudicial killings.

Solomon recently wrote a letter he sent to the media and also posted on his Facebook page.

In his letter, the former Chairman remembered three Lindeners—Shemroy Bouyea, Allan Lewis and Ron Somerset—who were killed on July 18, 2012 while “standing up for their rights.”

Solomon said that this tragedy was orchestrated by agents of the State “on instruction by those elected to serve and appointed to serve and protect; some of whom have since been promoted, continue to wear the uniform of the State and paid by those they violated.”

However, even as he recalled this unfortunate event, Solomon’s main focus was on those who lost their lives in the early 2000’s.

His letter comes at a time when the nation, through the media, Facebook and other blogs, discuss the revelations recently made by self confessed death squad member, Sean Hinds.

Hinds admitted that he was contracted for the assassination of political activist and talk show host, Ronald Waddell, but said that he was beaten to the punch by two policemen.

The former hit man claims to know about many other such killings. He said that during his tenure as a member of the death squad he was given instructions from the “very top” on who to kill, how to kill them and how to leave their remains.

In his letter, Solomon said, “When a person dies at the hands of another and that killer escapes accountability, it must not only matter to the grieving loved ones but to every Guyanese. We cannot, and must not, be silent in the midst of such tragedy.”

He added that Hinds’ revelation about his activities and activities of State officials and the politically connected “must raise the ire of the better angels within us.”

Solomon said that the loved ones of Courtney Crum-Ewing, Ronald Waddell, Donna McKinnon, Satyadeow Sawh “and countless others would want us to break our silence, come out in condemnation of the atrocities and call for justice to be served. The lives of their loved ones matter as much as those of our loved ones.”

With reference to Hinds’ bit about him saving Guyana from the reigns of criminals who roved during the early 2000’s; Solomon said that in a country where the law is supreme, “the law must at all times take its course no matter how tempting it may be to engage in vigilante activities. Vigilante activities breathe more vigilante activities, consuming the innocent and bystanders.”

The former chairman said that no one can deny the fact the Guyana’s image has “taken a beating” on the global front while many live in fear, and while overseas-based Guyanese shy away from visiting.

“This is not the image we want for (Guyana)…we can only make the change by coming out of silence and letting the security forces and government know that life matters….When life is threatened or taken by another, the world is robbed of its most vital resource. And while life cannot be reclaimed justice can and must prevail for departed loved ones.”

The politician said that those who have information on killings can share it. If properly used, this can begin the process of healing thus ensuring justice.

He added, “The dividers of race and politics are immaterial to getting to the bottom of the lawlessness that shrouded this blessed land during the 2002-2006 crime sprees, in July 2012 and in March 2015.

“For as long as it takes, and irrespective of the hurdle required to get there, justice must be served. Since departed loved ones cannot speak for themselves, we must speak for them” said Solomon.

Donna McKinnon was killed when shots were fired into a crowd gathered on the streets of Georgetown to watch a fire burn in a shopping district. The likely arson-initiated fire occurred during an opposition political protest march. McKinnon’s body was found near Freedom House, the headquarters of the PPP, from where witnesses claimed the shots originated.

Ronald Waddell was very outspoken against the People’s Progressive Party/Civic government. Back in 2006, Waddell was getting into his car outside his home when two men armed with guns, emerged from a car and shot him 13 times before escaping.

Former Minister Satyadeow Sawh was killed when seven masked gunmen dressed in military fatigues invaded the Minister’s LBI home and riddled him, his two siblings and a guard with bullets.

Crum-Ewing was killed earlier this year in Diamond Housing Scheme as he walked the streets urging citizens to vote against the PPP. He received five bullets at close range. PPP officials were questioned as was a former bodyguard of former government Minister Anil Nandlall. (Abena Rockcliffe)