-criticize continued joint service harassment
With a mixture of anger and sadness enveloping the atmosphere, hundreds of Barticians turned out in large numbers yesterday to bid their final farewell to the late Dweive Kant Ramdass, the young gold dealer who met his demise allegedly at the hands of three Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard ranks last week.
Funeral proceedings for the young man got underway shortly after 2 pm yesterday following the arrival of the remains of the 24 year old from Georgetown. His body was flown into the Region Seven community by the GDF’s Skyvan, which made a few low passes over the mining community on arrival in the area.
Ramdass’ sister-in-law breaks down in tears as she looks at the coffin carrying his body.
When Stabroek News arrived at Bartica yesterday morning, residents at various points around the community were voicing their lack of confidence in the security forces. At First Avenue, where most of the businesses are located, vendors where united in their call for the administration to examine the functions and commitment of the security forces where the safety of Guyanese populace is concerned. According to Amanda, a food vendor selling next to the Cool Breeze area, the death of Ramdass has shocked the community to the core. She said before the young man’s death, she would praise the Joint Services, particularly army ranks, whenever the units carry out spot exercises across the country. She noted, however, the gruesome death of the young man has left a bitter taste in her mouth, noting, “It is more than shameful.”
Over at the Vendor’s Arcade where Ramdass occupied a stall along with his brother, the young man’s friends stared at photos of him, some of which were posted on their vehicles in his memory. His older brother, Vasu Ramdass, told this newspaper yesterday at Bartica that his brother’s death is “just the tip of the iceberg.” He said he and other residents in the community are constantly harassed by members of the GDF, stationed at Bartica, noting that the officers usually undertake exercises in the community, “as if them is the police.” He said many times persons in the area, particularly miners, are targeted by the officers who demand money and other forms of payment whenever persons are found “on the wrong side of the law.” His views were substantiated by other residents, and according to some persons, there are many occasions when the army officers would venture into mining camps along the Potaro Road and harass Brazilian miners working in the area.
‘Bitter tears’
Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force Commodore Gary Best examines the coffin of Dweive Kant Ramdass.
Over at the Light House Assembly of God Church on Sixth Avenue, Ramdass’ relatives cried bitter tears when his body arrived at that location. The coffin bearing his remains was first driven through the streets of the mining community before proceeding to a tent which was erected in the yard of his sister’s residence, close to the churchyard. Scores of residents, some of whom travelled many miles to get a glimpse of his body, rushed towards the vehicle which transported his body as it arrived at the tent. They were soon disappointed when the man’s elder brother Stephen Persaud, related that his brother’s remains was wrapped in a cloth because of the decomposing state of his body. Soon after, pall bearers hoisted the coffin into the church as emotions ran high.
The church service got underway a little behind schedule, and was attended by the young and the old; many persons stated that they decided to attend the event because of the manner in which Ramdass met his demise. Chief of Staff of the GDF, Commodore Gary Best, who arrived by helicopter a few minutes earlier was accompanied by several ranks of the army, including members of the Coast Guard and on entering the church, Best approached the coffin and spent several minutes there.
‘Forgiveness’
Commodore Best, addressing those gathered, asked Ramdass’ family as well as the Bartica community to forgive the GDF for not being able to detect those among its ranks who committed the dastardly act that resulted in the young man’s demise. He commended the family members for the strength and fortitude they drew from their faith in God. Best said that although he had never previously met or known Ramdass, he felt the strength of the love and adoration of the young man’s family for the loved one they have lost.
As the time moved on, the church was filled beyond capacity, with sympathizers lining the church yard. At this time, residents could be heard discussing the young man’s life, with most of the older folks reminiscing how quiet he was. His uncle, Ashok Ramdass, in a fit of anger, told Stabroek News that his nephew was always the baby of the family. He said the deceased was well loved by his brothers and sisters, noting that since the siblings’ father passed away in 2004, the family members’ love for each other was strengthened. Their mother passed away when Ramdass was a child. His uncle added, “Today no one knows the functions of the army and police. No matter what they say to us today, this will always be on our minds.”
Dweive Kant Ramdass, the youngest of nine siblings, leaves to mourn his four brothers and four sisters. His remains were interred at the Bartica cemetery.
My condolences goes out to the family once again, if the residence knew all along the soldiers were harrassing them why didn’t they report them to the relevant authorities, rogue element in the army and joint forces may have been responsible for the bartica and lindo creek massacre.
AMENRA, WHO WOULD THEY HAVE TURNED TO WHEN THEY GDF WERE HIRED TO GUARD TEH CITIZENS OF GUYANA & THEY ARE THE CRIMINALS??? WHAT A DUMB Q… IT WAS JUST A MATTER OF TIME THAT THR GCG SHOWED THEIR TRUE COLOURS…
Viper, you know what is dumb, dumb is not doing anything about it when they were being harassed by the officers, had they made it public ramdass would’ve been alive today.
amenra who could they have reported to. each of them turn a blind eye on every situation because you cant scream on a man when you are part of what he does. its such a BIG BIG SHAME on the army and the government of guyana. and look at the policemen who snatched the money in the roadblock. double shame on them. guyana has come to the very lowest for when one resorts to klling another for money we have reach rock bottom. this nation needs prayers 24 hours a day.
The president and Commander-in-chief of the armed forces was at Shri Prakash Gossai’s memorial service,why didn’t he showed up with Gary Best also at Bartica to feel the pain and suffering of the Ramdass family.
I do agree with you. He should be facing his supporters and giving them an explanation!
At Gossai’s funeral? the man was attending some function in new york weeks after to memorialize Gossai for the 18th time.
This shows you the PPP does not care about the people of this country my man. The PPP cares about themselves.
Warning to those of you out there if you think this is a black and indian issue get your head straight the PPP could care less about anyone except the crew they have running the country.
Brandon, you shouldn’t be telling that to us, you should be telling that to the people who run to put garlands (made with thousand dollar bills) around his neck every time he visits the countryside.
slum where does it say that these people are ppp supporters? Why do everything has to be about race and politics with some people?
Jim-Bob ow budday them people who running to put garlands with money getting paid to do that, wake up man. The OP minibus does drive dem out dere ahead of time and plant them people there dont you know how the PPP propaganda apparatus does wuk?
i agree with u SOL
where does it say that these people are ppp supporters? Why do everything has to be about race and politics with some people?OR JUST CAUSE THEN LOOKING LIKE INDIAN THAT MEEN THEY PPC
that de reasion guyana will never change so what u all THINK pnc /r would have done any thing better i could imaging de stuff ayo pupping in ayo children head RACE AND POLITICES.
The complaints of these people must be investigated and if any are found guilty of the accusations they must be terminated. My condolences to the Ramdass family. I am still waiting for an apology from those who questioned the reports that Dweive Kant Ramdass had 17 million in his possession when he was murdered.
Well said Borapork, you notice up to now the consul for Guyana in Barbados has not even given his sympathies to the Ramdass family.
What a shameless bunch, Jagdeo nor rohee had the gall to show up at this man’s funeral. Where is the PPP folks where is this PPP that was supposedly for us the people?
Apologize for what. It down right stupid for someone to talk with that amount of cash period. People in America don’t walk with that amount of cash, and it is not because the US have more robbers/killers than Guyana. It cause it makes no damn sense.
BORAPORK, WAIT BRO WAIT,, WAIT FOR AN APOLOGY! U DONT SIT & WAIT FOR APOLOGIES LIKE THESE FROM PPL LIKE THESE, U HAVE TO GET UP & GO DEMAND IT .
Typical Opposition elements,,,How many places can the President be at one time??? Wasn’t this the job of the Army Chief??? Was Mr Jagdeo sending a message to the Army Chief that he has a job on his hands and let him face the music himself??? Does the President have to show up at every funeral to show Guyanese tyhat he cares Samaroo??? … Now tell the readers your AFC plans in cases like this…Convince the ordinary man to Vote AFC in 2011…
What about Kemraj and Raphel? aren’t those the ones seeking to rule guyana? I guess its too far for them to travel.
Brandon ur just a little school boy spewing fire, what has the guyana consulate in Barbados has to do with this? grow up man and be constructive.
If Khemraj or Raff goes to that funeral you and your govt ministers are going to be the fuss one to holler about do not politicize the matter remember the story when a young girl died in moruka and the AFC donated toilets?
Shaky basket since then banned schools from receiving unsanctioned donations approved by him. I am a lil school boy eh hahahhahahah. Keep underestimating the tide that is washing up against the PPP and sweeping them out to sea.
Agreed Carl, It is fool hardy to be transporting that amount of cash without an armed escort. Ramdass’ boss should know that. Other persons would have refused such a job, knowing the risks that goes with it. He was young, daring and not fully aware of of the dangers the was exposed to. His relatives should have discouraged him from taking such a job
soldier i agree with u them peoply here stupid every thing about them is de president only if i could used de worde i want toooo guyanese people na gon change
wild sweetheart, they are after the job of ultimate power, their only interest is power.
it’s not the interest of the guyanese people but their self serving ????????????????????????????????????????????????????.
Who will they complaint to? you have to understand that the body set up to investigate these issues are not independent,since the culture is everyone alright ,so the minute u complaint,ur complaint will be leak somehow and the harrassment you will suffer ,it will not be funny!!.my condolences to the Ramdass Family.Lugisnan,Bartica and Lindo creek massacre begs for indenpendent objective investigation.
alsunx i agree with you in every way. just look at the examples of george bacchus, and the many who let “the cat out of bag” man the next thing you they they were only memories. I think alot of people knows a lot more but they are afraid to open thier mouths and they are right to keep it shut in guyana because they have the silencer group who have hearts of stones. may god take guyana in his arms and comfort those close to him.
its time the military be informed that they can detain a person but must have the police to arrest that person.
where is the civilian complain board, what are they saying, where is the GHRA, are they all suffering amnesia at this point in time.
CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED. THIS IS NOTHING NEW, ONLY DIFFERENCE HERE IS THE PERPETRATORS WERE APPREHENDED SWIFTLY. NOTHING COULD FURTHER QUESTION MY MIND WHETHER FINEMAN GANG OR THE ARM FORCE WERE INVOLVED IN THE LINDO CREEK KILLING. THESE MEN ARE USING THE INSTITUTION AS A DISGUISE TO FULFIL AND SATISFY THEIR LUSTFUL WANTS. THEY ARE NOT HONORING THE OATH THEY SWORE TO, HOW SAD. BEST SHOULD SEEK FORGIVENSS YES, HOWEVER HOW COULD HE STAND THERE AND SAY THE FORCE WAS UNABLE TO DETECT SUCH AN ISSUE. THIS IS AN ONGOING THING, NOT SO LONG AGO IN ONE WEEK THERE WERE 3 INCIDENCES INVOLVING THE GDF. WHEN THE RIFLES WERE STOLEN FROM AYANGANA, DON’T TELL ME HE BELIEVED IT WAS PEOPLE WHO WALKED OFF THE STREET AND STOLE THEM. YET HE IS BOLD TO SEEK FORGIVENESS FOR BEING UNABLE TO DETECT THOSE CORRUPTED ELEMENTS. I AM AWAITING THE RESULTS OF THEIR PUNISHMENT, SINCE THIS IS MURDER NOT MANSLAUGHTER OR AGRAVATED ASSAULT, IT IS MURDER. I WONDER HOW MANY MORE MISHAPS WENT UNDETECTED IN THE BARTICA REGION.
I know this is Guyana, but I wonder how things would turn out if the family sue the GDF for a huge sum …since these solders were on active duty with the army uniforms and equipment .
All of that is possible RM, at the conclusion of the trial they can file for compensation…
RM,
You know exactly how it would go…
RM,
You know exactly how it would go…
Like you said… “this is Guyana(aka Ground zero)”…
Which judge, jury or citizen would be mad enough to oppose those with guns in a lawless land.
They murder and torture.
This should cost Gary Best his job.
Only changes from the top will change this trend.
Life cheep bout yah…
A FAMILY THAT PRAYS TOGETHER GETS RESULTS.
THIS IS THE DAY THAT THE LORD HAS MADE, LET US REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT.
THE BANDITS, THOSE THAT KILLED MY BROTHER – TONA, COMPTON SPEIRS AND THE REST OF THE MEN AT LINDO CREEK, LO AND BEHOLD, THE TRUTH WILL BE OUT. THEY MIGHT NOT BE THE ONES THAT KILLED THEM BUT THEY ARE PART OF THE TREE THAT KILLED THEM. A CORRUPT TREE AND SO IT BEARS CORRUPT FRUITS. THEY KILLED MY BROTHER MR. JAGDEO, MR. GREENE, MR. LUNCHEON, MR. HINGS, THEY ARE THE KILLERS, THE ARMY, THE GUYANA DEFENSE FORCE MEMBERS WHO ARE TO PROTECT THE PEOPLE AND THE COUTNRY, THEY ARE THE KILLERS. THERE SHALL BE WEEPING AND GNASHING OF TEETH. THE LORD IS AGAINST THEM, THE PEOPLE IS AGAINST THEM AND MY THEIR MINDS AND CONSCIENCE WILL HAUNT THEM FOREVER.
LET ME REMIND YOU, I LOVE GUYANA, I LOVE GUYANA, I LOVE MY COUNTRY BUT THE NONSENCE THAT IS GOING ON THERE IS TOO MUCH TO BEAR.
AGAIN, A FAMILY THAT PRAYS AND FASTS, DO NOT MESS WITH THEM. GOD IS WATCHING FROM A DISTANCE. WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU GUYS REGARDLESS OF WHAT, GOD IS IN CHARGE. PEACE
Joanne Keep on praying with your family and the good lord is going to bring them down one by one.The names that you have mentioned….Some how I fare for the lives of these people..I cannot explain the feeling…but the feeling i get is very frightening…I am afraid for Guyana and its officials…all those who have got a finger in the PAP is going to meet a terrible end,THE TEARS OF THE GRIEVING FAMILY IS GOING TO FALL INTO EVERY FOOTSTEP OF THE GUILTY.RAMDASS’S FAMILY ARE ALSO BELIEVERS, I am honestly sorry for those who think that they can do as much as they like.(but not as long as they like)the good lord would avenge all of your sorrow,
Those of you who thinks that prayers are never being answered.YOU HAVE GOT IT ALL WRONG…WHEN THE ALMIGHTY LAYS HIS HANDS UPON YOU THERE IS NO OBEA-MAN OR BANDIT THAT CAN CURE YOU. NO HUMANBEING IS BEYOND THE CREATOR.THE EVIL DOERS ARE GOING TO BE PAID BY THE WORK OF THEIR VERY OWN HANDS.
WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS ALL OUR SINS AND GRIEF TO BARE.WHAT A PREVILIGE TO CARRY “EVERYTHING TO GOD IN PRAYER”
Can anyone reflect on a time when the former Commander in Chief, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham or Hugh Desmond Hoyte was ever not in control of the armed forces of Guyana. In a civilised society the military should never be used to police it’s citizenry, how many more people have to die before the PPP/C administration will get their act together.
Can His Excellency the Honorable B. Jagdeo tell the nation what his plans are to restore law and order, the workings of a civilised society, social justice and opportunity for all Guyanese.
The president run around talking about environmental plans, it’s time the great Russian Economist roll out plans to restore the parameters of a civilised society.
JAGUAR4U You are on point with your comment the Army should not be used to police the country, I was a military man for 20 years in the US army and the Army cannot be used as a policing force it is against the LAW. I know during 9/11 there were some troops gaurdind key spots but the were not incharge. GREAT POINT JAGUAR4U
Mr.Besthas done a very NOBLE thing by supporting the grieving family MORALLY.All believers must pray and god will show you the way,he will also give you the wisdom to know that material things does not make one happy.Got gives and he takes.Ramdass’s death would not go in vain. I do believe that his life was taken for a purpose.Mr.Best and others are going to find all disloyal ROGUES that have and are causing honest officers SHAME and DISGRACE.Mr.President,Comander-in-Chief,Officials of the Government go after these ROGUES that are causing us this PAIN and SHAME,DO NOT LET MONEY stand before PRIDE.DISCIPLINE these SO-CALLED OFFICERS OF THE LAW.
the only good thing to come out of this is the unity of the people of bartica. it looks like the army is covering up the boat “accident” involving the people from hogg island.