Calling for peace, calm; allow justice to prevail

Dear Editor,
The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) continue to be most concerned as we follow closely the ongoing protests that emerged following the discovery of the mutilated bodies of Joel and Isaiah Henry.
The Federation share the national outrage, and demand that those responsible for the despotic act be made to answer for their heinous crime. We stand in solidarity with family, friends and the communities of the two (2) young men, who are obviously hurt and upset.
The Federation recognise, too, that the protests which emerged following the gruesome discovery of the bodies of Joel and Isaiah have taken an unsavoury turn. Though we uphold the right of all Guyanese to protest, such actions must be peaceful and in conformity with the law. Dismayingly, media reports and social media posts have indicated that the protests have, at times, turned violent. Moreover, several innocent Guyanese have been attacked, and as we have seen, roadways have been blocked, vehicles destroyed, residences burnt, and there is debris, among other things.
These actions, we contend, as in the murder of Joel and Isaiah, cannot be condoned. We hold that there is absolutely neither reason nor justification for this sort of action. We abhor the criminal acts being perpetrated, as we wish those who have been hurt a speedy and full recovery.
We are equally upset by the irresponsible statements which we have seen emanating from certain quarters. Those provocative and clearly uncalled-for statements have, in our view, served to fan the flames and contribute to an exacerbation of the situation. This is not the way responsible leaders should act.
To this end, the Federation have seen some seeking desperately to invoke political and ethnic considerations. Such sentiments cannot be tolerated, as they only serve to undermine the general unity that all Guyanese share. It appears that tensions are being stoked at the altar of political expediency, but we ask to what end? Such behaviour, we contend, must be rejected by all right-thinking and peace-loving Guyanese. This is not the way our people should live, and we should reject those who seek to drive wedges and to divide our people for partisan purposes.
The FITUG, at this time, reiterate their call for justice to prevail. We urge that our law enforcement officials leave no stone unturned, and those responsible must be dealt with within the confines of the law. The Federation hold that we, as a people and a nation, have matured, and we must behave responsibly and act respectfully.
We equally call for an end to the violence, to allow the healing process to begin, and for peace to prevail. We contend that it is in our collective interest for us all to work together to promote a united Guyana for this and future generations.

Sincerely,
Federation of
Independent Trade
Unions of Guyana