This is not a time for political, racial division

- Minister Persaud tells regional councilors at Bartica

The Bartica massacre should not be used to create political and racial tensions but instead should be the basis for genuine cooperation, unity, and a commitment to supporting the ongoing efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.  

Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud, made these remarks today during a meeting with Regional Councilors at the Bartica Regional Democratic Council office, Region Seven. The Minister was at time visiting the community to conduct his weekly open-day activity.

Regional Chairman, Hubert Knights along with several councilors used the statutory meeting of the council that was scheduled for today to interact with the Minister, in wake of an attack by gunmen that left thirteen persons dead including three policemen. 

“These heinous acts require all of us to band together and to be firm and to be supportive of the efforts that are being made to bring this situation under control. This is not a time for us to be second guessing the security forces or to be distracted by anyone. This is a time for us to be focused on going after the perpetrators of this horrific act and to ensure that they are brought to justice,” the Minster said.

Stressing the importance of civil society, Minster Persaud alluded to meetings held yesterday between President Bharrat Jagdeo and representatives from the religious community, civil society and political leaders.

“All political leaders and each political party have a responsibility to support the fight against crime and this battle that is being waged. That demonstration of national leadership should percolate down to the level of the regional bodies,” Minister Persaud pointed out.

Such a demonstration of unwavering support for law, order and humanity, he said, will play an important role in boosting the morale of the security forces in their pursuit of those whose intentions are to create terror and social unrest.

Reflecting on the usually peaceful and neighborly nature of Barticians, Regional Chairman, Hubert Knights noted, “We have probably been labeled as one the more secured locations in this country. The fact that these guys can execute such a plan here without being caught in the act is frightening for us.”

Knights said security measures that are being put in place and the interventions to boost the capacity of the security forces, as pointed out by President Jagdeo during a meeting with residents in the community yesterday, are welcomed developments.

Minister Persaud assured councilors that all efforts are being made to prevent, when the information is available, the recurrence of such dastardly acts.

“I am quite sure that our security forces are capable of responding once they have the right intelligence. There are active operations taking place in different parts of the country, and we also have active security cooperation with our neighbours. I want to assure you that no stone will be left unturned in pursuit of these vicious agents of evil,” Minister Persaud said.

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