– urges independent, impartial probe into entire crime spree
– says Govt has already prejudiced the process
The Guyana Peace Council, a human rights advocate body, has called for a review of the recently established Lindo Creek Commission of Inquiry (CoI). The body is contending that long before a single witness has been called, the CoI has already started off on the wrong foot. 
The Council expressed concern in a statement that the very fact that retired Justice Donald Trotman, father of Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, has been appointed the sole Commissioner is suspicious and clouded by the perception of politics.
As if this is not enough, the Council noted that statements attributed to President David Granger and Minister of State Joseph Harmon are highly prejudicial in nature. They therefore questioned the real motive behind the tax funded CoI.
“We hold sacred the values of finding the truth, promoting reconciliation and healing among our people. So any attempt in that direction done with sincerity should be embraced,” the organisation said. “However, we find it unusual that such an important Commission of Inquiry has not benefited from the involvement of all stakeholders to ensure a national embrace but it is presently situated as a partisan political witch-hunting adventure.”
The Commissioner appointed, the entity noted, is the father of a sitting member of Granger’s Cabinet and also the Leader of the Alliance For Change, and also a past PNC operative where accusations have been made of contact with the “Buxton Freedom Fighters.”
“The Commissioner is (also) domiciled in a village on the East Coast of Demerara where during that troubled period there was much focus and attention. How does his interaction with the rumours, spit-press and reactions and defences of citizens in this area, influence his objectivity and what influence will it bear on the outcome?” the Council questioned.
The Council also questioned the rationale behind starting inquiries into the period from Lindo Creek, when it was actually the culmination of mass killings. According to the Council, unanswered questions like this and the absence of a mother commission covering the entire period create suspicions among citizens.
“It is clear that we are starting on the wrong foot. We do not believe that any useful purpose can be served by proceeding in this direction.”
“The naming by the President of the period as the “Jagdeo era killings” is highly prejudicial and damning. It is language that is divisive. Any Commission of Inquiry paid for by taxpayers’ money must deliver justice to the citizens of Guyana and must not be used to gain political advantage.”
According to the Peace Council, the actions of the coalition Administration are an exercise of bad faith and are likely to promote distrust among Guyanese, rather than unify the populace. The Council expressed fear that tensions which exist will be exacerbated.
“It is not too late to rework this approach and for us to benefit from an independent and impartial Commission where the Terms of Reference are known and embraced by all and the selection of a minimum of three Commissioners are above board,” the Council advised.
Retired Justice Trotman, 80, took the oath of office before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the presence of Minister of State Joseph Harmon on Wednesday last. Following the ceremony, he promised to conduct the inquiry with fairness and impartiality.
However, his close ties to a sitting Minister run counter to what one could expect from a standard, impartial CoI. Previously, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had urged the coalition Government to seek reputable and independent Commissioners for its inquiry.
