By Gaulbert Sutherland
Stop torture was the cry by citizens yesterday when they converged opposite the Georgetown Public Hospital in a silent vigil to protest the torture of a 15-year-old by police.
In silent protest: Some of the participants in a vigil for the 15-year-old boy who was tortured by police last week. A number of persons gathered outside the Georgetown Public Hospital yesterday in solidarity and to protest torture.
Just about 110 representatives from a cross-section of civil society and opposition political parties were present at yesterday’s vigil, assembling along Lamaha Street with banners that read, ‘Solidarity against Torture.’ The event was organized by NGOs Red Thread, Women Across Differences, Help and Shelter, EveryChild Guyana and Mothers in Black. “It’s simply a symbolic stand…it’s to say that we’re not prepared to allow our police and so-called disciplined services to behave as they choose,” said Karen De Souza, Red Thread’s coordinator. The vigil, she said, is an opportunity for Guyanese of conscience to demonstrate that they are totally opposed to torture and to stand in solidarity with the teen and his parents.
The 15-year-old was among several persons arrested following last week’s murder of retired Region Three vice-chairman Ramenauth Bisram. The teen, Nouravie Wilfred and Deonarine Rafick were held and a wounded and battered Rafick was charged last Friday with the murder and remanded to prison. It later emerged that the teen had been severely burnt in his genital area but the police only took him to the hospital after media reports. Wilfred was released on Tuesday after having been in custody for a week.
But the teen remains a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital and is likely to remain there for the next six months. On Wednesday policemen, Narine Lall and Mohanram Dolai appeared in court charged with unlawfully wounding Wilfred and Rafick. No charges were laid in relation to the teen.
For over an hour yesterday the group stood on the roadside. In addition to private citizens, some of those present included PNCR leader Robert Corbin, AFC leader Raphael Trotman, GAP/ROAR MP Everall Franklin, Guyana Trades Union Congress President, Gillian Burton, representatives of the Amerin-dian Peoples Association, the Guyana Citizens Initiative, Guyana Association of Women lawyers, the Sisters of Mercy of the Catholic Church, the Wesleyan Church, the Guyana Book Foundation and members of several other organizations.
Never again
Torture should not happen again, Jean La Rose, programme coordinator of the Amerindian Peoples Associa-tion said. She stated that she was present along with her daughter to lend her voice to the fact that torture must not and should not be tolerated. She said that those responsible for such acts must be brought to justice.
Taffieny Conway, president of the National Youth Development Network told this newspaper that the organization was shocked at the torture of the teen and hopes that “we can recognize that we can change this and stop it from happening in the future.” Similar incidents should be brought to light, dealt with and those responsible should be held to account, she asserted. Another citizen, Charlene Wilkinson said that her heart is bleeding for Guyana stating that the country is “starving and dying because of the absence of leadership and the presence of monsters at the head of government.”
Opposition leader Corbin told Stabroek News that his party would support every initiative by any organisation to force this administration to address the atrocity, noting the continuum of torture that has plagued the country for years. “I am happy that more and more people are recognising that irrespective of race, colour or creed, age or peculiarities that torture is torture whenever it is committed and the society must reject it,” he added.
The PNCR leader also called for the appointment of an independent panel of persons whose credibility is known by the society to investigate the torture. “We will have no confidence in anything done by the police to cover up their own tracks,” he said.
Meantime, Trotman noted that he was there in his personal capacity, as well as AFC leader and lawyer. “Any event in which citizens and particularly civil society is prepared now to step out, the AFC is prepared to stand with them,” he stated. He noted that President Bharrat Jagdeo had stated that a police investigation would take two weeks but pointed to the a “certain bias” in relation to pronouncements made by the Commissioner of Police and others about the child being able to identify the perpetrators because he was hooded. “That is a serious thing because why is a child hooded in the first place. I don’t know that it is one of the approved methods of… keeping people in custody or interrogating them”, he commented. “We hope that it will build and that we will have small but meaningful forms of protest against what has happened and at the same time hope that these events will galvanize the outrage that is being expressed nationally so that we can bring that together perhaps into a more formidable form of protest either in the form of a bigger rally or something not too long from now,” he said.
Everall Franklin added that the unconstitutional behaviour of the security forces and the issue of respect for peoples’ rights had been raised numerous times but “apparently it’s been falling on deaf ears”. He said that the latest incident has highlighted “the total breakdown of law and order and total disregard for human life and suffering.” He declared that it was incumbent on all, regardless of political affiliation that this is about humanity and confronting something that is evil. Persons could not look on such incidents and say it will not happen to them. Every time someone in the community is affected, it takes away something from citizens, he warned. “If we could highlight and get people to understand that this is all of our business then we would have achieved something”, he declared.
Indictment
Meanwhile, several organizations have also added their condemnation of the incident with the African Cultural & Development Association (ACDA) stating that it is an indictment against the state and the Women’s Progressive Organization (WPO) denouncing the “excessive force” used.
In a statement, ACDA said that the torture of the teenaged boy by the police is an indictment against the state, after repeated incidents of a similar nature over the years. “…These incidents have been repeated, each time with greater intensity and disregard, much to the silence of the very public stakeholders who now surprisingly find this particular case horrifying, as if conveniently awakening to assert a long suppressed social conscience,” the organization said. It expressed the hope that the case could open the door to a “long overdue, honest reality check,” which it says is necessary to move towards confronting the root problem affecting the nation.
ACDA contended that the police ranks who committed the “heinous act” have conformed to a system of approval of the state for years on the question of excesses. Further, it said the silence of religious organisations, the Private Sector Commission and others have all contributed by allowing their prejudices and self-interest to prevail, ignoring and permitting the state to sink the nation into the “mire” now enveloping it. “There are several incidents over the years that support the [approval] of the State,” it emphasised, adding that it is convenient and dishonest to blame “a flawed line of command and the betrayal of a confirmed operational philosophy on rogue elements.”
The WPO also joined in condemning the actions of ranks at the Leonora Police Station for using “excessive force” on the teen. “This act perpetrated against a child is reprehensible,” the organisation, the women’s arm of the governing PPP said in a statement on Tuesday. “Those responsible for such actions must be dealt with condignly in order to prevent those rogue elements who may want to repeat such actions”, it added.
The WPO expressed sympathy for the young man and his family while hoping that the injuries to his body and psyche can be reduced through effective medical treatment and a supporting environment to help him overcome the impact of the traumatic experience. It also cautioned that while the police force has been doing a good job in trying to rid the society of criminals and is deserving of support, the recent act can undermine the positive gains by again putting the force in a negative light.
And the Men Empowerment Network (M.E.N) has said that the torture of the teen while in police custody is a “sad dereliction of duty” by the police officers who are tasked with serving and protecting citizens. In condemning the incident, the organization said that the burning of the teen’s genitals, “symbolic of the manhood of this boy” would have long lasting, far reaching emotional and psychological impact on him and those associated with him. In this regard, it offered counselling and support services to all parties affected by the horrific abuse. The group called on all Guyanese to be awakened to the need to protect its children from such inhumane abuse of judicial power.
We must unite together to get rid of this government by the polls and to rid society of these rogue elements we call police men and army officers. It’s time they stop this nonsense…this is not Rwanda!!!
This vigil must continue until the youth gets justice and all the compensation he deserves and those who tortured him are jailed…and those who condone it as well.
Look out for the regular PPPeee supporters here to be absent from this forum today.
Sandhurst i hope you too will join them and not just chat as an armchair general, and don’t want to hear you talking about you being victimized if you go to a protest.
HEY SANDBLIND Where was your mouth in the pnc era, you are right we do not have Rwanda now … no PNC. I am so happy you realize it No Rwanda because PPP in power and they will bring those officer before the courts unlike PNC
not rawanda, but guess what? THE PPP IS HERE TO STAY, COME 2011, THEY WILL BE STANDING STRONG.VOTE PPP THE VERY BESY PARTY IN GT.
Who must vote for the PPPeeeeeeee??????? YOU GOTTA BE OUT OF YA MIND!!!!!! But lets watch the entire scenario come 2011…things will get interesting!!!
Crime has be to fought but within UN human rights charter. People should be outraged too when these terrorists are destroying civil society!! Crime should have nothing to do with race or political affiliation. One of the reason among a lot others that I have been calling for a national front government is to fight crime and have an independent judiciary that is perceive as so. time NOW 4 A NATIONAL FRONT GOVT. dont think the PPP was ever serious about this option even under Jagan! The People has to agitate for this, great call by Joey, why others are slient about NFG!!!! Where San HInds,Roopnarine et al
SFH – It is time to make your actions speak louder than your words, I’m calling your bluff on this one…next time tell us that you participated in one of these organized vigil for this kid….if not…you’re just part of the status quo.
SWAT, tell me that you does do the same over there and also when Jagdeo visits…..tell me that you does be there along with Amen-ra
Lambada you are sure right, the best party in GT, it is like a 3 day bottle fete with tax payers money.
When I see the Sisters of Mercy in that Line Up, I am convince the end is near for this Jagdeo Regime. It was people like sister Doreen Routie, who led the struggle in GUARD many moons ago for the restroration of demoncracy and it is the power behind the Catholic Church that will again lead the exposure of the violation of human rights, corruption, and wanton disrespect for the Guyanese masses.
The end is near. I would suggest that Jagdeo permanently work on his LCDS fantasy out of Guyana since there is no need for him in Guyana anymore. Time up.
Sase I agree with you buddy, we can COUNT on the Catholic Church in times of crisis. Where are the Indus’s and Muslims
Brothers and Sisters ????????????.
sase haven’t you heard the u.s putting a hold on the lcd talks, so nothing is gonna happen in denmark, so this will be a zero on jag’s plan.
The sisters of mercy has to clean their houses first SASE,,,A majority of 55 % of Guyanese does not see things as you and the handful taking a sun bath seeing it,,,I will like to see you raise your voice come 2011 when the PPP will have a more massive victory at the polls , let me see 25 people and you make 26 are fast asleep,,,The President has already condemn this torture and has already ordered an investigation with a time limit to this…This is the las set of people to make this call…Shame on them and you…
Soldier it is the blind like yourselves who need to clean house.
Soldier where did you get those number from!!!!! I can see at all cost you will support this government.Get a grip of yourself think! Guyana is a hell hole because of that kinda of thinking, my friend….
Soldier, Jagdeo has ordered an investigation against himself. What do you think the result will be?
“The PNCR leader also called for the appointment of an independent panel of persons whose credibility is known by the society to investigate the torture. “We will have no confidence in anything done by the police to cover up their own tracks,” he said.
One of the rare times I agree with a statement from Robert Corbin. This statement is accurate and reflects the opinion of civilized Guyanese.
A strange phenomenon is the absence of commentary from the Muslim and Hindu communities. Their silence can only be interpreted as acquiescence. These men of religion but not necessarily of “God” are showing their biases and would not have remained silent had the situation been reversed. It’s not too late to recover the moral high ground and reestablish their positions of integrity, sadly lacking to this juncture. It’s time to stop being the messengers of division and become advocates of unity. This atrocity must unify the decent people of Guyana.
Robert Corbin ..this is the only time he has said something sensible in a long time, however he lacks the credibility…. BORAPORK you have made a good observation in your assesment of the man and the Muslim and Hindu leaders also, but I think they will issue a statement soon. Keep bolgging man….you making sense.
Where were the NGO’s? In the Garden hiding? Guess it is better late than never. Keep up the militancy, Keep it up. Don’t relent until there is Justice for All. Speak out for ALL those tortured by the police and army. Everyone knows the teenager is the poster child but speak out for others too. This cannot be about helping the lawyers win their cases it has to be about helping society to win back civility. No retreat No surrender!
acda, acda, acda, acda, ACDA, Powerful ! Love your comments. Where were these people when the young Jermaine Wilkinson was shot with his hands in the air? Where were they when the Mandela four was killed? Where were they when it was Yohance Douglas? Where were they when Bourne from Caneville was shot with a pillow placed over his head? Where were they when a wanted man whose surrender was negotiated and was coming out with his hands in the air was met by a volley of bullets? Where were they when the army officers were tortured? Where were they when Small was tortured for the Ministry of Health fire? These were all suspects in various crimes just like this young man is a suspect for murder. Where were they? Where were they! (Indignation). …Anyway better late than never.
Sojourner it matters not where they were the fact that people are finding their voices should be commended. Be supportive of people who are speaking out else you will continue to see yourself surrounded in silence.
I foresee the Big Jag calling a meeting with ‘civil society’ to discuss a way forward.
I foresee GINA posting 2 million and 1 pictures of this meeting.
I foresee ‘civil society’ falling for the trap reminiscent of the aftermath of the Lusignan massacre!
I foresee ‘civil society’ serving the government’s purpose and then dumped again!
I foresee no end to this ‘roughing-up’ madness if the PPP is voted in again come 2011.
I foresee the revocation of many more visas.
I foresee a few key characters’ visas will not be withdrawn.
I foresee a trap being set by the US.
It’s good to see the people are waking up and organizing against the beast which was allowed to grow and get out of control, now it’s time to destroy the beast before it destroys the nation. The people’s power is the best power, power to the people.
Keep the pressure on until justice is served to the Guyanese Nation equally.
Shouldn’t the demo be outside the Police headquarters where rogue policement are reportedly involved ?
Folks, here we got terroritsts a couple days agom killing a man, shooting at other genereally law abiding force members , and destroying of citizen’s property (records and school premises) and we got a bunch of people trying to score political points including reps of the high Catholic top brass who helped bring down the “communist” PPP govts in the past ? My,my,my….What stupidity and brazen screwing up of values am I seeing ? Guyanese people however know what’s going on with this handful of individuals out in the sun..
Oh, me is forgot. Hear the apologists today for the handful of individuals getting excercise holding up cardboard : “The opposition got to KEEP THE PRESSURE ON. GOT TO ! EXPOSE THE PPP’s DIVERSION TACTICS about shooting up of police and killing a man, burning records and school. THAT WILL NOT STOP WE, I is say !! The boy burn and one missing . Poor lil boys…Sob sob sob… Me is so Happy. Happy I is…..” (In quotes, folks. Get it ?”
Reddy your infantile ravings are a bloody disgrace. You disgrace yourself and belittle the seriousness of the issues being discussed. Grow up!!
He has to do that,he has no shame. Where else is he going to get such a cushy job?buxtonspice
NEVER REDDY,
Needs to get a life & start acting like a human with real intelligence.
Truth be told red rover the protests should be everywhere. Guyanese from all walks of life should drop tools and show this government that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated anymore.
Red rover even you should protest by not going to the beach for another year.
Don’t worry with you NEVER REDDY…come this December, you have to get out of Barbados and head back here….so enjoy the flying fish and have fun on the beach..you might catch one…
Reddy,I can deal with your limitations, misunderstanding and faulty generalization of profound matters (issue) at another time. U should band from comment on this site not for your comment but the hear say arguments that you try to so desperately to put forward. So, if was in your position I would have used my time wisely in Barbados before I have to go back n jion the protest. SandHurst like the name u give this occasion(EveryREDDY)
Damned right, continue to let your voices be heard, if there is any justice in this horribly cruel world, then those who did this will go to jail where i am sure they will endure similar turture. Has anyone thought of the psychological damage this kind of brutality has done to this child? And just who is going to pay for the help he needs? I say put the police officers’ salaries to work, and hopefully this will spare the lives of a few. We know that people will continue to be arrested or questioned, but being tortured is crossing the line and downright wrong and most dehumanizing on so many levels. It is time they realize that this is inhumane and therefore will not be tolerated, come on people this is the 21st century!
You did find the Caps lock key. WOW. Oh crap I just used it in wow.
dubai now you’re cookin.
DUBY TELL THEM YOU NOW BUY A NEW KEYBOARD, LIKE ME OWN GONE NOW …LOLOLOLOL
O wow they finally got the message. Keep protesting and voicing your concern. Protest should be in larger numbers and they will be taken more seriously. Infact be as large as Jamzone or Main street lime crowds. Keep protesting them. Keep it up
I agree with you KBOS. It is very said to say but it is true,
Because of Robert Corbin Leadership and Credibility it is hard
for the PNC go get it’s supporters out on the streets.
Last week a reporter ask Mr Khemraj Ramjattan of the AFC if they will take the steets and he said:- I dont believe in street protest.
This is a good sign of unity in the country lets keep it up for all the races who have being tortured