Former wanted man Rondell ‘Fineman’ Rawlins was laid to rest in his home village of Tempe West Coast Berbice yesterday after a viewing at Lyken’s Memorial Chapel in Georgetown and a brief sojourn in Buxton where squibs were set off near the coffin.
- Mourners getting a final glimpse of Rawlins at his mother’s home in Tempe yesterday.
There was a lower than expected turnout for Rawlins’s first public viewing since the gunman and Jermaine ‘Skinny’ Charles were killed by the Joint Services almost two weeks ago, while the numbers at the funeral service too were limited.
The 32-year-old Rawlins, who law enforcement authorities said headed the Buxton/ Agricola gang, was given an hour-long viewing at the chapel yesterday morning, which was attended by predominantly women.
Around 150 persons gathered to get a glimpse of the man who had driven fear into so many over the last few years, before he was whisked off to West Coast Berbice. Absent was the heavy police presence that had characterised the Agricola funeral of Charles last Thursday.
Standing at the head of the coffin, which was covered in a red, green and yellow flag bearing the image of a lion, Rawlins’s mother Margaret Rawlins and an elder sister stared at his remains.
Mostly restrained in her grief, when the R. Kelly song, The Storm Is Over Now began playing, the mother burst into tears as she softly muttered words and shook her head repeatedly. Rondell is the second child she has lost to the gun for the year. Back in February, her daughter Marcyn King was shot dead by unknown persons as she neared her home in Newtown, Kitty.
Dressed in a brown shirt, dark shades and a red, green and yellow hat, Rawlins’ badly damaged face bore witness to his confrontation with the Joint Services.
There was no mention of any wrongdoing that the man had been involved in and some of those gathered patted his relatives on the back and hugged them while urging them to be strong since “God knows best.”
One well dressed young woman, burst into tears as she glanced at Rawlins and immediately turned away. She was still weeping when the coffin left the chapel.
- Leaving the Lyken’s funeral home yesterday morning
During the viewing, many curious persons, some untidily dressed walked in to get a glimpse of the deceased and having done so, either quickly left or lingered around on the road outside.
The man’s sister prevented anyone from attempting to take photos of Rawlins’s face, including the media.
After the coffin left the Memorial Chapel, a small funeral cortège consisting of the hearse, a minibus and a few cars, made its way out of Georgetown and along the Embankment Road. As the vehicles passed there were reactions from some bystanders, but on the whole the procession aroused little interest. However, as the vehicles reached the village of Buxton, the drivers began to blow their horns to attract the attention of the villagers. Some on the road hailed the automobiles as they passed, while others were seen peering through their windows.
The procession continued through Buxton until there was a shout for it to stop. At this point someone was heard to call out, “Leh we see he, is we soldier.” The hearse then stopped and the coffin, still draped with a Rastafarian flag, was pulled out by a group of men and opened on the road. This prompted villagers to gather around, seeking a glimpse of the man who had once been labelled as Guyana’s ‘most wanted.’ Soon after, the coffin was removed and placed on a table underneath a shed at the side of the road, where more villagers congregated to get a view of the body. As more people assembled, there were shouts of, “Leh de man go long he way.”
Just before the coffin was returned to the hearse, a squib was set off. Another was ignited soon after, as the procession was about to set off again. In all, the cortège spent about 15 minutes in Buxton.
As in Georgetown, there was a noticeable absence of police along the Embankment Road, although a few officers could be seen along the Public Road in the vicinity of Turkeyen.
- The small crowd gathered outside the Lyken’s Memorial Chapel yesterday during the viewing of the body. (Photo by Jules Gibson)
However, at Weldaad, Berbice a roadblock had been set up a stone’s throw away from the police station. The vehicles were stopped, the passengers asked to step out and detailed searches were carried out. The procession was further stalled when one of the cars was driven into the police station compound, but it was released shortly after. Stabroek News understands that the police were questioning the presence of a radio set in the car.
At the mother’s house in Tempe, members of the Joint Services in vehicles circled the streets and plain clothes policemen could be seen taking pictures, videoing and even scribbling notes.
As the hearse turned into the street stopping at number 32, villagers from all directions (albeit in small numbers) headed to the house and surrounded the coffin. Another hour long viewing was the prelude to the service.
The crowd at the funeral was nowhere near the size that had been noted on past occasions when notorious wanted men were buried. Many at the funeral yesterday speculated that persons might have been nervous about attending, or the distance to Berbice might have dissuaded some who would otherwise have made the trip.
The word around yesterday was that many of the persons who came to the funeral did not know ‘Fineman’ at all, but came out of
curiosity or because they knew his family. Rawlins apparently left his hometown a long time ago and is not really known to the villagers.
Although the pastor officiating at the service shied away from any reference to Rawlins’s activities, an uncle took it upon himself to make mention of them when the floor was opened to anyone who had anything to say.
The man said his nephew had been “painted by the police” as a criminal. “They projecting my nephew to be what he isn’t,” the man said.
He was asked by one relative to stop but some members in the congregation said,” Leh the man talk.”
His older sister told the mourners that she remembered her brother as a loving person, who read his Bible every day, and “that’s how I will remember him,” she said with tears in her eyes; “I thank God that the storm is now over.”
Rawlins’s mother put up a brave front until a sister sang a medley of songs. The sister’s stirring rendition of How Many More? apparently touched the woman and she had to be comforted by her son. The service ended shortly after Margaret Rawlins recited a poem and told the gathering that despite what her son was or had been portrayed, she would always love him.
“I wasn’t there, I do not know whether he was guilty of the things they say, I can’t say…but God is the final judge,” she said.
Margaret Rawlins had told Stabroek News on an earlier occasion that she was hopeful that her son’s death would bring an end to the crime situation in the country, as he had been blamed for every crime in the country.
Rondell Rawlins was buried in the Tempe cemetery.
May his soul rest in peace, and his family be comforted in these trying times. Althogh i didn’t know him,and he wrecked havoc on the guyanese society the human side of me emphatised with all.
Spoken like a true humanitarian amen-ra. You echo my sentiments and I applaud you.
MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE……..UNTIL HE ARIVES AT HELL’S GATE
Why both Skinny and Fineman choose to have this flag drape their cofins?I would like to hear Rastafarain community condem this to the most highest.
Of course you would, you did not have to say this, you had telescoped your feelings in this matter a long time ago. Feelings that you are absolutely entitled to I admit.
If these two men were indeed guilty of all that has been ascribed to them, then of course they deserved what they got but for you to presume to dictate to Rastafarian how they should react in this situation is patently presumptuous sir.
SN again choose to edit my comments.All I am questioning why most of these criminals choose the Rastafarain faith.This comment is not ment to be racist or to pass judgement on the ” Rastas ” but to highlight a social phenomena in Guyana that we cant ignore or pretend to ignore.
yeah don’t feel too bad about getting edited or not getting your blog posted at all, it has happened to me as well and for the life of me I do not know why it was denied. but such is life.
So, there we go again. They are making him out to be a soldier/saint. It is understandable his mother and sister would remember him when he was a good kid; but I am sure they knew of some of the wrong things he did, and the uncle had the audacity to stand-up and talk crap. But, I am sure many of the others are aware of the reason why they are grieving, for there will be no more bloody money ECT. It is my hope people will smarten-up, and not allow themselves to be used this way, for the end will be similar.
Here comes another purist! you guys so belong to the Spanish Inquisition era. A lot of you guys here are speaking so ill of the family, behaving as if all the family of these notorious men acted in collusion with their infamous relatives down to the man. You imply and literally state that the family members were the recipients of ill gotten gains, the blood booty if you will and now their reaction to the loss of a loved one is regret for lost income.
This is so presumptuous and self righteous! Why can’t you people just accept that two of the most feared and despised criminals were finally apprehended and Guyana can now breathe a collective sigh of relief without mounting your little soapboxes and spout acrimonious sermons?
In response to roger and optim . . .
Although you try to smooth out roger deficiency . . . but you have dug another hole for yourself, pess
Let me tell you guys this, you are only two simple men who are sitting in your comfortable chairs talking your mouth full of nonsense. You are no where in Guyana, you are not related to these men.
Who feels it knows it. But it is only for safety purposes that the family would not speak out.
You all run your mouth about these men doing this and doing that, but I’ve never seen so many talkative Guyanese to condemn the death squad for their ill characters.
I’ve never seen so much mouth ups when Fraser was murdered, when they treated that soldier’s mother like a DOG [shot her and leaving her to die--then talk negatively over her in the presence of her daughter]… the list goes on and on….
The way you guy is commenting–tells me that you do not care about PROPER JUSTICE, and true process. It is all right for some certain bandits killed, while the law enforcers get away with murder?
I cry pity and shame at you people.
There is nothing more absurd than having INJUSTICE and COMMUNIST taking down citizens in a lawless manner.
It is important to get to the root of things. I wonder why ROGER KHAN IS THE ONLY ALLEGED CRIMINAL TO HAVE A TRIAL?
WHY IS HE SO SPECIAL TO BE PASS THROUGH COURT, AND NOT THE OTHERS?
I am so very ashamed of GUYANESE PEOPLE.
PEST-A-MISS-STICK SAVE YOUR BREATH FOR YOUR OWN ENCOUNTER AND PERHAPS LOVED ONES. Same GOES to you too roger.
May God have mercy on his soul and may his mother be comforted knowing that her son can not commit any more crime.
Well said.
hmmm. I simply wondering why the stabroek news didnt publish the photo of the fineral proceedings…No fuss about it. Im jus wondering why.
I have the very same thought darcman!!! Just peep the Chronicle, there is one pic.
What for? To waste valuable square inches. These vagabones should have been dumped in unmarked graves. Don’t be surprised when someone try to rewrite history years from now and start taking flowers to their graves and call them Buxton martyrs. Right now a few even referring to them as ‘our soldiers’.
Here I was thinking that it was just my plugin not working? the pictures were just was not there for me to see.
If I may jus add, our nation, long live the wonderful Guyana. Our nation like many others have found its citizens and tourist alike been affected by crimes. Crimes of ill nature. Where it seems the law abiding citizens and tourists well depends on the law enforcments to address this crime surge. Please take note that the Police and the Army forces and all other intellience fused towards combating crime, need our help and citizens and tourists. ONLY IF THEY WOULD GO ABOUT DOING THEY WORK IN THE MOST PROFESSIONAL MANNER. INSTEAD OF TAKING THE WHOLE ISSIUE IN THEY HAND. They beat suspected criminals, use excess forces, they dont follow they own code of conduct, which further distance them selves from citizens and tourists like. We are already victims of crime and criminals, Please the proctective forces conduct business in the most professional manner.
All criminal activities were placed at his feet. With his death the unsolved files is closed.There will be no more crime in Guyana.Why is Green not promoted? He has made Guyana crime free.
I like your reasoning here sheik, de man shouldda geh a medal or something fuh being de COP at the time when the GPF single handedly closed about 3/4 of all de outstanding cases with one felled swoop.
I hope you know what you are talking about.
NO MORE CRIME IN GUYANA?
Where did you get that from
Good Riddance!
Do you mean GOOD RED DANCE?
HOW MANY MORE JAH< HOW MANY MORe must carry this load, HOW many more of our sons n brothers / fathers will b brutally gunned down by The police n not b given a chance to a trial,
2 many police men getting rich off the souls of our young men……..
it tearz me up 2 see a brother go so young in such a terrible way, but JAH KNOWS BEST, n his innocence i’ll always protest……..
ONLY GOD CAN JUDGE U
THE GOOD DIE YOUNG
RIP
This is satire of the highest order. Right?
Tell me brother, are you in your right (human sense) , how can u dare to make a comment like that. Did u think the Police did any wrong? Did u believe these cowards did any petty crime to be in front of any Judge, and what GOD r u talking about? Your faith is as just as u think! Think positive brother and make wise comment so young brothers reading these blogs can make better choices in life (society) and don’t think what these hooligans did was right in the face of GOD!
May the family have some piece with themself.
Finally
otorious,do you wanted to go and arrest them?they shoot at the joint services with ak47,i would like you and others to go try and arrest criminals that meant to go down blazing.i wish some of us think before we type
The good die young??? Come on now otorious be serious! You do realise dat you deh talkin bout Fineman and Skinny? No Ian mean really? Bannas doan guh overboard.
Even if dem man ent guilty of all dat they accuse dem of, dem man was through and through criminals. There is and was no doubt about dat son! Dem man had to be brought to heel one way or de odda… they choose de odda!
True, ultimate only God is de judge (for the hereafter) But from their fruits shall ye know them and everybody did know what kin a fruits dem man did bearin.
“… it tearz me up 2 see a brother go so young in such a terrible way…” while this is true for every person, you do have to admit that dem man got just recompense for their lifestyle and deeds.
OTORIOUS
I agree with your bother. But for those who are talking bitterly on this forum, shall be judge.
the police have their time…
Now I want to know where is this young woman who was pregnant at the time of her disappearance?
What happened to fineman’s sister who was brutally murdered…
TELL ME WHAT GOOD HAS HE DONE…….HE WAS A WANTED CRIMINAL THAT WAS SHOT DEAD DEAD DEAD BY THE POLICE…AND U R SAYING
THAT THE GOOD DIE YOUNG?
As usual the family of these criminals always try to say that they were angels, and it’s society that wrongfully say they are criminals.
There is a God, a good one who allowed Fineman Rawlins to be caught and killed…and I thank Him.
There is another God, a bad one, The Devil, I will thank him when I know he has Fineman Rawlins in the bowels of Hell.
May Rondel “Fineman” Rawlins NEVER rest in peace…ever.
We are awaiting news and similar faith of the rest of his gang and the leaders who suppliedsupported his rampage.
U right on this mackydog! People like this should rot in hell and never rest in peace.
Mackydog,only you would call the devil a god…just like how you said that Guyana has benifited from the drug trade…you scare me,please continue to reside in the United States,at least there you have to dance to the American tune and be civilised.and the PNC supporters are safe from you,all you can do is ramble on from a distance.I don’t understand why SN lets your hate posts pass.
I couldn’t say it better myself, dude.
Wazzup Mackydog? meh dey mann jus was vacationing across the borderline. Yuh kno de Carabana ting & suh on…lol. I was reading ur blogs de other day boi yuh were @ yuh best mann…lol.
However, on de crime ting many more will be rising up, so lets pray and hope for the best to come. I notice the JS was doing some reconnaissance, read as follows:
“At the mother’s house in Tempe, members of the Joint Services in vehicles circled the streets and plain clothes policemen could be seen taking pictures, videoing and even scribbling notes.”
I hope this is not an acted to fabricate many ill story/ies to torment the family.
Nah Guy123, Macky wrong calling de Devil a God, but I can understand his sentiment and one has to appreciate dat some people would love to kill dem bandit over and over again tryin to get some peace for all the hurt and pain that they were supposed to have caused.
in reply to the above. you are right. we all have one life to live why not live it with grace, faith and hard work among all other attributes – like a human being. killing, maiming and cause so much sadness, grief, to each other will only cause these murderers pain and death. as for the family in as much as i am in sympathy for them, they need to console themselves that a lot of innocent people are grieving for their loved ones who were brutalized by these criminals. lit us just hope that more criminals are not just preparing to be on the same stage again,. everyone knows that there are more criminals at large. we need to ask: what can be done to eliminate these gangs and restore peace among all people of guyana.