Dear Editor
A New and United Guyana is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life of young Mr. Ronaldo Peters, who was fatally shot on the evening of April 7, 2025, by a member of the Guyana Police Force. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the late Peters during this difficult time of grief and loss. To make matters worse, the action of the police in question have led to demonstrations which have resulted in officers being hurt and as reported another fatality.
Once again, we are forced to confront the senseless taking of lives at the hands of the law enforcement agencies. The killing of a young man, without any justifiable cause, is both heartbreaking and unacceptable. The use of excessive force in this instance has left a community in mourning and raised serious concerns about the conduct of those sworn to protect and serve. The killing of Mr. Peters mirrors those of Mr. Orin Boston and Mr. Quindon Bacchus, two of the more recent cases involving law enforcement agencies and for which families are still seeking justice.
ANUG calls for an immediate, thorough, and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding these incidents and for those culpable to face the full brunt of the law. We continue to urge our law enforcement officers to act within the bounds of the law, as guided by their standard operating protocols. Given the plethora of such repeat incidents, we strongly advocate for better training in handling high conflict situations and for the minimal use of deadly force to prevent further tragedies.
We unequivocally condemn the actions of the police officers involved in these fatalities and call on the relevant authorities to ensure that justice is served. We trust that the law will take its course, and that the memory of Ronaldo Peters will serve as a call for meaningful change.
Finally, we call on all citizens to let cooler minds prevail and for us to honour our departed in a more respectful and peaceful manner. Violence must never be the answer and we must at all-time abide by the law. Let us be our brother’s keeper and remember that whenever the dust is settled we must continue to live in harmony as One People, One Nation with One Destiny.
End.