Bartica Remembers massacre victims nine years later

Feb 19, 2017 News

“We will forever remember those who were brutally taken away from us here in this very peaceful community” – Regional Chairman
The ninth death anniversary of the 12 victims of the Bartica Massacre was observed Friday morning. The massacre resulted from the murderous rampage of the once infamous Rondel ‘Fine Man’ Rawlins gang.

Monument constructed in memory of the Bartica Massacre victims.

The men who were brutally killed included three policemen who at the time were stationed at the Bartica Police Station, four workers at the time were offloading goods that came from Georgetown and three Barticians. The killings which rocked both the community and country served as a stark reminder of how insecure any community can be.
Region Seven Chairman, Gordon Bradford, said that prior to the massacre many Barticians held the view that because they were surrounded by water, they were safe and secure from criminal elements, as according to him, there was ‘no way out’. He however noted that all this changed when a community well known for its love, affection and general looking out for each other personality was rocked with what many are still calling a senseless, wicked and blatant irresponsible act by one of Guyana’s most feared gangs.
Bradford disclosed that each year the community continues to remember those who were killed on that fateful night. He also disclosed that Friday’s ceremony was no different. Wreaths were laid at the monument which was constructed in memory of those killed.
He noted that despite the fact that the Region’s Children Mashramani coincided with the anniversary as in previous years persons came out in their numbers to remember those that were killed.
“We are still a very peaceful, loving and a unique community but what has changed is that we are cognizant that you are never too safe from criminals,” he said.
He disclosed that over the past two or three weeks a number of what he described as ‘wild rumours’ being circulated that there is an impending second massacre. He said that many residents both at home and overseas continue to call him enquiring if the allegations are true. “People have been continuously calling me over the past few weeks stating that they are being told that there is a second massacre being planned.
“It has many people uneasy and fearful. However, the police and other security forces have put systems in place that along with us at the Regional level continues to reassure persons that this is just only a rumour,” he said.
He stressed that residents have nothing to be fearful of but is understanding and knowledgeable about their fears.
“We were all shaken up nine years ago by the assault and destruction that was caused to our community and people will forever remain in our memories.
A monument was constructed some years ago and dubbed the ‘Monument of Hope’. It was built in recognition of those that lost their lives. The land was donated by the Diocese of Guyana and supported by the families of the deceased Violet Smith, Hopkinson Mining Inc., the NDC which has now been transformed into the township of Bartica, The Regional Democratic Council and the people of Bartica.
The twelve men who died were Dexter Adrian, Irving Ferreira, Edwin Gilkes, Ronald Gomes, Ashraf Khan, Deonaarine Singh, Errol Thomas, Abdool Yasseen, Baldeo Singh, Lance Corporal ZaheerZakir, Constable Shane Fredericks and Constable Ron Osborne.

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