GOA calls for peace amidst murders, violent protests

The President of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), K.A. Juman-Yassin, on Saturday broke his silence on the gruesome murders and violent protests that occurred on the West Coast of Berbice during the past week, and has made a strident call for peace on behalf of the Olympic Association.

A criminal lawyer by training, Juman-Yassin wrote: I would, on behalf of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA,) like to extend our deepest condolences to the families of the late Isaiah Henry, Joel Henry, Haresh Singh and Prettipaul Hargobin. The violence, robbery, damage to property and the disgrace that has been brought to Guyana as a result of the protests are to be condemned.
“I encourage protest and the venting of opinions, but the protests in the manner that we have seen were, in my humble view, not justified. The murders of the two cousins were horrific, barbaric, and seem to be one of rage.
“I commend the effort made by the Chairperson of the PNC, Volda Lawrence, who encouraged protests, but not with the violence and division of our two major races. I consider the call of President Irfaan Ali, for peace and to seek assistance from abroad, to be more than appropriate. Let us give him time to have his efforts bear fruit.
“I would like, on behalf of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and the sporting fraternity of Guyana, to call for peace and to allow the Police to do their job of investigating the murders. We know now, if not already, that there should be a process of healing, so that we, as Guyanese, can live in peace and be an example to the world. Our politicians must not inflame events like these for their agenda. Our politicians should not be allowed to stoke the flames of race, violence and hate, and after(wards) try to appear as if they were not responsible and call for retractions and peace. We must not have short memories, but call those irresponsible politicians out.
“Let peace prevail, let hate disappear and let harmony envelop Guyana.”