The brutal killing of three women and the critical wounding of a young man in what investigators have described as a murder-suicide and attempted murder at Ideal Road, Soesdyke-Linden Highway, underscores the urgent and tragic need for systemic, coordinated action to end domestic violence in Guyana. The LaCruz family have become the latest victims of a scourge that continues to tear through families, communities, and the national conscience.
This incident — which claimed the lives of 25-year-old Maline LaCruz; her 50-year-old mother Waveney, and her 16-year-old sister SueAnn; and left her 23-year-old brother Seon critically injured — highlights once again the devastating consequences of intimate partner violence left unchecked. The alleged perpetrator, Parmanand Ramdehol, was no stranger to the justice system. On January 9, 2025, he was arrested and charged with wounding and threats against Maline LaCruz. Though initially remanded, he was later released on bail. Tragically, on the same day his court matter was adjourned, he allegedly returned to Maline’s home, where a deadly sequence of violence unfolded.
This heartbreaking case exemplifies a fatal gap in the justice and protection systems meant to safeguard vulnerable individuals — particularly women and children — from domestic abuse. It is no longer sufficient to treat these cases as isolated tragedies or private disputes. They are national emergencies, and deserve responses on par with such designation.
President Dr Irfaan Ali, responding to the persistent national crisis of domestic violence, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eradicating this plague. In recent remarks, the President expressed grave concern, and announced that a comprehensive, systemic approach is being launched, in collaboration with Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr Vindhya Persaud and Baroness Patricia Scotland, former Commonwealth Secretary-General, and a globally- respected voice on tackling domestic abuse. President Ali has tasked Baroness Scotland with working closely with the Ministry to strengthen the existing framework and implement a robust national action plan.
This high-level initiative is commendable and timely. It must, however, be grounded in practical, community-level interventions supported by strong legislative, judicial and policing systems. Domestic violence is not just a social issue; it is a public safety, human rights, and development issue; and the response must be programmatic, data-driven, and unrelenting.
The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has already implemented a range of initiatives aimed at prevention, support, and recovery. These include the 914 emergency hotline, survivor shelters, the Spotlight Initiative, community education programmes, and training for first responders. These efforts, while important, must now serve as the building blocks for an expanded and truly national plan. Coordination between law enforcement, the judiciary, social services, and healthcare providers must be seamless. Bail and decisions on protective orders must be informed by risk assessments, and repeat offenders must be flagged and monitored. Survivors must be empowered to come forward with assurances of safety and support, not fear of retaliation or institutional apathy.
In the case of the LaCruz family, key questions remain unanswered: why was an accused perpetrator of violence granted bail without adequate safeguards for the victim? Was there any ongoing monitoring or support for Maline following his release? Was the weapon used in the crime legally obtained? And if so, how? These are not merely rhetorical questions; they are matters of public accountability.
Moreover, a whole-of-society approach is essential. Communities, religious leaders, NGOs, schools, and the media must all play a role in changing the culture that allows abuse to be normalized, silenced, or excused. Men must also be part of the solution, and programmes that engage them in prevention and behaviour change must be expanded.
It is a national disgrace that lives continue to be lost in such gruesome circumstances. The deaths of Maline, Waveney, and SueAnn LaCruz must not become just another set of names on a growing list of victims. Their story must be a turning point — an urgent call to action.
The President’s declaration and the Government’s collaboration with international partners to develop a structured, programmatic response to domestic violence are important steps. But declarations must be followed by action: Legislation must be enforced, systems must be reformed; and, above all, victims must be protected.
Every life matters. Every home should be a place of safety. And every act of violence must be met with justice, not silence.
