Edwin Gilkes, the Banks DIH security guard, who was among the 12 persons shot dead by gunmen on February 17 at Bartica, was laid to rest in that community yesterday.

In attendance were hundreds of Barticians and other persons including government ministers and local officials, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

In a statement, GINA said that mourners were told that the massacre has brought greater strength to Barticians and there is no doubt that they will rise above the incident. Minster of Labour Manzoor Nadir, Minister of Public Service, Dr. Jennifer Westford, Regional Chairman Holbert Knights and Regional Executive Officer, Peter Ramoutar were among the mourners.

Gilkes, who was described as a loving, kind-hearted individual, who was very devoted to his family was killed while on duty at the Banks DIH Citizen’s Bank outlet at First Avenue, Bartica. He was among twelve persons, including three policemen who were killed during an hour-long rampage by the heavily armed gunmen.

Over the past week, funerals have been held in various communities across the country including Region Two, Three, Four and Seven for those killed in the Bartica Massacre, the statement noted.