As Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community, on behalf of the Community, the CARICOM Secretariat and on my own behalf I wish to convey to the wife, children and other members of the family of Mr. Satyadeow Sawh, our deepest sympathy at his death.

Words cannot adequately express the shock and depth of sadness we feel at the untimely death of Mr. Sawh and all those who were slain with him. The callous destruction of human life and the consequent suffering that has infiltrated our society risk shredding us of our decency, civility, humanity and intrinsic Caribbean spirit.

The Government and people of Guyana and indeed the wider Caribbean Community have lost someone who demonstrated exemplary commitment, dedication and determination in the discharge of his ministerial responsibilities. He was particularly committed to seeing that the farmers and fisherfolk benefited from their toil and that the fruits of their labour provided adequately for his country and the Region.

In extending these condolences to the Government and people of Guyana as well as to the families of Mr. Sawh and of the others cut down in this heinous crime, it is also our fervent hope that those who were injured in the attack make a full and speedy recovery.