The Leader of the Opposition (acting), Roysdale Forde is calling for a thorough and independent probe into the fatal shooting of businessman, Orin Boston at Dartmouth, Essequibo Coast allegedly by a law enforcement official this morning. The incident has led to protest action at Dartmouth, with residents blocking the road with burning tyres and other debris.
See full statement below:
I have noted with extreme concern and sadness the killing of Mr. Orin Boston at the hands of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit of the Guyana Police Force on Tuesday night and hereby call for a thorough and independent review of this unfortunate incident.
Preliminary reports suggest that during the execution of a special operation in Essequibo, an altercation ensued between ranks and Mr. Boston. The police report claims: when ranks attempted to search the home of Mr. Boston, he attempted to snatch the gun from an officer and was shot in his right arm.
However, this assertion was wholly contradicted by Mr. Boston’s wife who was at his side during the incident. Ms. Boston has submitted that her husband was asleep when ranks stormed his room and delivered the fatal shot. Her version suggests, there was no form of resistance. This represents a cold-blooded execution and if an investigation corroborates this development, the ranks involved must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Please be reminded: we live in a society with a sordid history of extrajudicial killings and sadly, this development has a frightening resemblance of a time in this country when these summary executions were the order of the day. We have returned to the dark days under the PPP/C.
We call for an Independent Inquiry headed by an independent person of repute as we have no confidence that the Guyana Police Force through the Office of Professional Responsibility can impartially investigate this incident.
I extend my condolences on my own behalf and on behalf of my family, to the family of Mr. Boston, the people of Dartmouth, and the people of Guyana.
