Confusion stirred on Thursday morning at the La Repentir Cemetery, in Georgetown, where the eight Lindo Creek victims were laid to rest, after relatives voiced their concern over the manner in which they were buried years ago.
The child mother of one of the deceased men, Compton Speirs, explained to Guyana Times that the families created a ruckus after they discovered that their relatives were buried together in the same unmarked tomb with the other men.
She expressed dissatisfaction and grief over the fact that this is the first time she and many other relatives are told where their loved ones were buried. On Thursday, many of the relatives visiting the burial site of their loved ones for the first time and were shocked when they were told six of the victims were laid to rest together.
It was later explained that the men were placed in the same tomb since it was almost impossible to separate their ashes and bones, owing to the fact that the
A wreath being laid on the tomb of six of the Lindo Creek murder victims
men were burnt after being murdered.
Before the relatives reached to the site, they braved the inclement weather and assembled at the Square of the Revolution for a memorial walk, along with friends and other supporters.
The supporters walked along Princes Street, Georgetown, before entering Cemetery Road, for a visit to the final interment place of their loved ones.
Family members called for justice as they reflected on how much their lives changed after the men’s murders.
Most of the relatives said they have completed application forms for the offered assistance by President David Granger.
While some called for finances, others said they needed new homes and even jobs for the children, who were rendered fatherless after the horrific episode.
“I am just hoping for justice. That justice would prevail,” an emotional wife of one of the men said.
In tears, she said she would be grateful for financial assistance from Government.
Meanwhile, a mother who lost her son, Nigel Torres, during the massacre said, “This day is bringing back some pain. Some real pain on us you know. And I just asking God to give me strength that I would be able to go today to the burial site because it is not easy for me to stand…” She said she was awake since 03:00h
A section of those who braved the weather to participate in the memorial walk
crying as she remembered the times she spent with her son. A minute of silence was observed at the cemetery in respect for those who lost their lives, as well as a wreath laying ceremony.
A Commission of Inquiry into the death of the eight persons was launched in February this year by President David Granger.
Back in June 2008, the burnt bodies of Dax Arokium, Cedric Arokium, Compton Speirs, Horace Drakes, Nigel Torres, Bonny Harry, Clifton Wong and Lancelot Lee were discovered at Lindo Creek by mining camp owner Leonard Arokium.
