Haslington residents block road as man dies in police custody

Mar 25, 2026 News

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…family cries out for justice

(Kaieteur News) – Residents blocked the Public Road at Haslington, East Coast Demerara early Tuesday morning, joining grieving relatives of 30-year-old Jordan Payne in a fiery demand for justice after he died while in police custody.

Up to late last night the residents were keeping vigil on the roadway as police ranks who have cleared the road stood guard.

In a statement police say Payne, of South Haslington, East Coast Demerara, became unresponsive around Tuesday 00:10h at the Cove and John Police Station, where he had been detained in connection with a domestic violence matter.

According to the Guyana Police Force, Payne had complained of feeling unwell earlier and was escorted to the Enmore Regional Hospital, where he was examined and treated by a doctor before being returned to the station. However, while back in custody, he reportedly complained again of feeling ill and subsequently collapsed.

He was rushed once more to the Enmore Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Authorities say no marks of violence were observed on the body. Payne’s remains are currently at the hospital’s mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination as investigations continue.

But that official account has done little to calm tensions in Haslington, where residents and family members took to the roadway, blocking traffic and insisting that more answers and accountability—are needed.

Also in a statemeng Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond said she is aware of the incident that occurred at the Cove and John Police Station and is actively working in close coordination with the Guyana Police Force to establish the full circumstances surrounding this matter.

“A thorough and comprehensive investigation has been initiated. The Ministry assures the public, and in particular the affected family, that this process will be conducted with the highest standards of professionalism, impartiality, and accountability,” Walrond said.

“We urge members of the public to allow the investigative process to proceed without interference. At this time, we appeal for calm, restraint, and respect for the rule of law as the facts are carefully examined.”

Walrond on behalf of her ministry also extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased. “We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to ensuring that due process is followed and that all necessary actions are taken in accordance with the law,” the statement concluded.

However, Payne’s family has strongly rejected the police’s account, alleging that his death was deliberately concealed. The revelation of his passing came only when his mother arrived at the station early Tuesday morning, prepared with clothing for his court appearance.

In a heart-wrenching account, his grieving mother Amanda Cato , explained that she had ironed her son’s clothes and went to the station expecting to see him taken to court. Instead, she was told he was at the Enmore mortuary. “When I go to Cove and John station I tell the police I come to bring his clothes to court, them say he deh Enmore mortuary. Them say I gotta go down there. When I go , the doctor tell me how the police bring he dead. He whole body cold. They bring he after 12. The doctor said he died a while now,” Cato said .

The mother, overwhelmed with grief, maintains that her son had no known medical conditions and is now questioning how he could have died so suddenly while in custody. She also expressed concerns after reportedly observing marks on his body, which she believes must be thoroughly examined.

“I know my child,” she said, insisting that the circumstances surrounding his death do not add up.

“I can’t take this. I need justice for my son. When you turn he around he got marks of violence. They murdered my son,” she said

The situation quickly escalated into public unrest as news of Payne’s death spread. Family members, friends, and residents flooded the Cove and John Police Station and the Enmore Regional Hospital, demanding answers. The anger soon spilled onto the public roadway, where protestors blocked sections of the road with debris, calling for justice, transparency, and accountability.

The protest drew the attention of several political figures and activists who joined the aggrieved community on the ground. Among them were Member of Parliament Dr. David Hinds, Attorney-at-Law Ronald Daniels, Ernest Elliot, Lloyd Famey, Simona Broomes, Dorwain Bess, and members of the opposition party We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), including Tabitha Sarabo-Halley.

Probe underway

As tensions mounted, Acting Commander Stephens addressed the crowd, acknowledging their frustration and assuring them that an investigation had already been initiated. He noted that ranks from the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) would be involved to ensure transparency.

“We understand your frustration. We have nothing to hide,” he told the gathering.

Meanwhile, Jordan’s body remains at the hospital mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination, which is expected to determine the exact cause of death.

As the investigation continues, Jordan’s family remains resolute in their demand for truth and justice, while a shaken East Coast Demerara community grapples with grief, anger, and growing concern over the circumstances surrounding his death in custody.

Organise for justice

For their part, the minority opposition, APNU said their representatives visited Alicia Payne, the grieving mother of Jordan Payne.

According to APNU, the dead man’s mother expressed deep distress to the APNU team, stating that she has received no information from the Guyana Police Force regarding the circumstances surrounding her son’s death. “She is now calling for answers and justice,” the APNU statement read.

Attorney-at-Law Daniels urged concerned residents to remain calm and organided in their pursuit of justice, emphasising the importance of a coordinated approach.

“APNU is calling for transparency and an immediate and thorough investigation into the death of Jordan Payne,” the statement ended.

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• block road, Haslington residents, Man dies, police custody, protest

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