GGDMA condemns brutal slaying of Berbice teens

The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) said it is appalled by the brutal and senseless murders of 19-year-old Joel Henry and his 16-year-old cousin, Isaiah Henry.
The boys, both of Number Three Village, West Coast Berbice, left their homes last Friday to pick coconuts in the backdam, but their badly mutilated bodies were discovered on Sunday by a search party after they did not return home.
The GGDMA condemned the “barbaric act” and added that such actions have absolutely no place in today’s society.
“We also join with all right-thinking Guyanese in urging the Guyana Police Force to spare no effort in bringing the killer(s) to justice. The Guyana Police Force must be supported in their effort to investigate free from political interference. Thus, we call on all political actors to desist from milking political mileage from this national tragedy and urge our leaders to work together and start urgent discussions about measures that can bring about national dialogue and healing,” the GGDMA said.
It added that while every Guyanese is affected by this crime, the calls for justice must not be soiled by elements who are intent on opportunistic crime and violence against citizens.
The badly-mutilated bodies of Isiah and Joel were discovered one day after they went missing. Following the discovery and the gruesome manner in which the boys were murdered, residents in several villages in Berbice took to the streets. Over the past two days, they blocked the roadways and burnt debris all while calling for justice.
Protest actions are still ongoing and have spread to a number of other villages along the West Berbice corridor. Members of the Joint Services had travelled to the areas as they attempted to restore order.