PRESS STATEMENT

The People’s Progressive Party deplores the brutal massacre of twelve innocent unsuspecting people at Bartica on Sunday evening, February 17, 2008.

As in the Lusignaan killings this latest cowardly assault was intended to engender terror and fear in our society.

All Guyanese must see this as an attack on all peace loving and democratic persons in our country. As such, the nation must give its full support to the security forces and efforts to apprehend and bring to justice the perpetrators of these acts. Our men and women in uniform must be assured of our nation’s support at this time.

The PPP further notes that our security forces have yet again come under attack. The murder of three police officers follows quickly after the ambush of a GDF soldier shows that those killers are targeting agents of the law.

Our people demand that the security forces give this a very strong and decisive response.

The PPP extends deepest sympathy to the people of Bartica, to the Guyana Police Force and to the family , relatives and friends of all the deceased. The whole nation shares your pain.

FEBRUARY 18, 2008