As Bartica residents fought emotions ranging from grief to anger in the wake of the slaughter of 13 persons in their community on Sunday night, a team of Cabinet ministers travelled to the area to appeal for calm.
In a live programme broadcast across the Region Seven community some time after 9 am yesterday, the ministers recounted the terror and walked through the joint services response, while urging residents to be strong and to unite, “at this very dark time in the country’s history”. They also called on Bartica to support the Joint Services operations that are being rolled out in and around the community.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security Priya Manickchand said the criminal elements who perpetrated the acts were less than animals. She questioned what kind of people would walk into a community and carry out such acts, adding that the criminals not only executed ordinary citizens, but they slaughtered the men who were there to protect them. She said the time has come for Guyanese to take a stand and say which side of the divide they are on.
“Citizens of Bartica you have to ask yourselves which side are you on and I will be frank with you now. These people are not going to come and see if you are African, Indian, Chinese, man, woman or child: they will kill you. They don’t care where you are from. They will kill you. So you and I have to stand up and say no more,” Manickchand said.
She said people were going to go Bartica and make excuses for what happened and urged residents not to fall prey to this. The minister said the elements who attacked the community had no cause and urged residents to look persons in the face who go to the community to make excuses and say to them that these people are criminals.
Government will provide support to the community including financial support to the affected families, according to the minister. She said that every child, who has been left without a father will be cared for by the state for as long as required, adding that the administration will see to their needs.
Manickchand noted that only recently there was tragedy at Lusignan now the same tragedy was at Bartica. But she expressed confidence that the country will rise above what is happening. She said Guyanese will face down this challenge that is being thrown out and overcome it. The minister stressed that the incident is deeply disturbing to her and the government.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues also condemned the attack on the community and pointed out that the criminals have now expanded their borders and are now spreading terror across the country. She said the tragedy is not to be taken lightly but urged residents to remain calm as the Joint Services carry out operations.
Rodrigues called the gunmen cowards recounting that they went to the police barracks where ranks were sleeping and shot them. She said Guyanese cannot allow a group of people to de-stabilise the country and appealed for calm. The minister told residents they have to be extremely vigilant and report anything that appears suspicious.
Minister within the Ministry of Health Dr Bheri Ramsaran praised the efforts of hospital staff in Bartica who he said worked tirelessly to treat the injured. He said resources were mobilized shortly after the attack and that medexes on the ground performed commendably as they assisted in the massive effort initially undertaken at the hospital before many were air lifted to the city.
Ramsaran said the Regional Health Service was prompt in its response and had aircraft ready to transport patients to the city. He said the charter air services were quickly mobilized and supported the Regional Health Service during what was a very difficult time. According to him, many persons remarkably remained calm as they carried out their duties.
He urged residents not to bow to such criminal acts and to let civil order prevail in the society. Ramsaran said now is the time for the community to unite.
Minister of Public Service Jennifer Westford, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony and Minister of Transport Robeson Benn were also in Bartica. After the television broadcast the team walked around the community talking with residents and extending condolences.
