(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) The Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community and Staff of the Secretariat are stunned and appalled at the senseless, brutal killings in Bartica, Essequibo, Guyana, on Sunday, 17 February of 13 people, including three police officers, by an armed gang.

The Secretary-General and the Staff, most strongly condemn this barbaric crime. It is especially painful coming as it does at a time when the nation is still deep in grief caused by a similar traumatic experience of 26 January in Lusignan. These inhumane acts cast a long and disturbing shadow throughout Guyana and the wider Caribbean Community.

The Secretary-General and Staff mourn with the entire Guyanese nation and express heartfelt condolences to the families of those slain. It is also our sincere hope that those responsible for this abominable act will be soon apprehended and brought to justice.