Religious organisations call for swift justice for murdered WCB teens

– condemn violent protests

The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS) and the Muslim Youth Organization of Guyana (MYOG) have strongly condemned the brutal murders of West Coast Berbice teenagers Joel Henry, Isaiah Henry and Haresh Singh, which all occurred within less than one week.
The organisations have expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. Further, the MYOG has condemned the killing of Prettipaul Hargobin.
The GHDS and the MYOG are therefore calling on the Police to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators of these gruesome killings to justice.
The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha and the Muslim Youth Organization have also taken note of the violent acts being committed in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).
According to the GHDA, “The unlawful acts committed in Region 5 against dozens of innocent people, inclusive of robbery, beatings, assault on women, and destruction of vehicles and property, must stop at once. We call on the Government to provide the necessary protection for all Guyanese, and to take strong action against all perpetrators of criminal acts.”
The Sabha has said that while it recognises the fundamental right of citizens to protest peacefully, it holds the strong view that if the protests on the streets are providing the opportunity and cover for illegal acts to be carried out against citizens, then other forms of protest must be used.
“At this time, it is better to have everyone in the affected areas off the streets than to risk even one more incident of attack, or robbery, or destruction, or worse. Everyone is deeply hurt and angry, and clashes on the streets can only lead to more terrible incidents.”
The Sabha added that COVID-19 cases are rising dangerously every day, and it may be best at this time for persons to protest and express views in a virtual medium. In this regard, while freedom of speech must be respected and protected, it pointed out, racial slurs, hate speech, and abusive and inciting statements on social media must be strongly condemned.
The MYOG, on the other hand, appealed to protesters not to indulge in any form of criminality, such as robbing or beating others; this only harms the noble cause in which they are involved. The organisation has also commended the parents of the Henry cousins for their strength and fortitude, and has pledged to stand with them to ensure justice is served.
“We urge the owners of the various social media pages not to tolerate such comments, and to report perpetrators to the Ethnic Relations Commission. At this tense and volatile time in our beloved country, we must do everything possible to promote peace, respect and love among all. It is the responsibility of every Guyanese to work together to improve relations and prevent the recurrence of such devastating incidents,” the Sabha noted in a statement to the press.
The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha especially calls on the political leaders to be positive examples for the country, and to work to restore peace and calm to our country. It said that its prayers are with those affected during this difficult time, and it has pledged to assist the families of the victims.
While it’s easy to cast aspersions on the motive behind these murders, the MYOG asserted, absolutely nothing justifies it. As a Muslim Organisation, it noted, it adheres to the Quranic dictate from Chapter 49 verse 13, “O men! Behold, We have created you all out of a male and a female, and have made you into nations and tribes, so that you might come to know one another. Verily, the noblest of you in the sight of God is the one who is most deeply conscious of Him. Behold, God is all-knowing, all-aware”
“We are aware that, as Muslims in Guyana, all races stand toe-to-toe with each other in prayer, and not in acrimony or hatred,” the MYOG said in conclusion.