Shadow Minister of Home Affairs in the Opposition, MP Geeta Chandan-Edmond, has called for the immediate suspension of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) Regional Executive Officer (REO), Karl Singh, who was arrested for shooting a woman in the abdomen on Tuesday in the Commercial Zone, Lethem Central.
Chandan-Edmond, in a statement late Thursday, also called for a thorough and speedy investigation, free of political interference.
Police said investigations revealed that the victim, 25-year-old Gladys Emmanuel, was in the motor pickup of the 33-year-old REO when she was allegedly shot in her abdomen.
Police said she was taken to the Lethem Regional Hospital by the suspect where an immediate surgery was performed and her condition is now regarded as stable.
“Police have been unable to interview the victim due to her condition,” the release stated. “The suspect was arrested and escorted to the Lethem Police Station and his licensed firearm seized and lodged.”
The MP said: “Women’s organizations, indigenous organizations and all right thinking Guyana to stand up and speak out against the unwarranted violence meted out against our indigenous sister Gladys Emmanuel and on the relentless attacks on our womenfolk.”
Below is Chandan-Edmond’s full statement.
I vehemently condemn the abhorrent and abominable shooting of 25 year old indigenous woman Gladys Emmanuel.
I have taken note of the official report by the Guyana Police Force on this shooting in which Mr. Karl Singh, Region 9 Regional Executive Officer and PPP regional executive was involved and is in custody.
According to the report, Mr. Singh, is being investigated for allegedly attempting to murder Ms. Emmanuel in a vehicle in Lethem.
The report also indicates the incident occurred at about 1am in his pickup on the main access road at Lethem in the vicinity of Kanuku Lodge.
Every life is precious in our dear beloved Guyana and the attempt to end the life of one of our precious citizens, especially a young promising woman, is sadistic and inhuman.
Though far less significant, I also note that this incident occurred in breach of the COVID curfew measures.
This development is symptomatic of the breakdown in law and order in our society since August 2nd, 2020. The Guyanese people have witnessed a significant increase of violence against women and this latest heinous violation of one of our young indigenous women allegedly hands of a high-ranking PPP official must be condemned by all Guyanese.
I call for the following:
(i) a thorough investigation of this incident, free from political interference. The investigation must be concluded speedily so that the all wrongdoing must be dealt with condignly to the fullest extent of the law.
(ii) Mr. Singh, a public officer, to be suspended from all official duties as REO forthwith and for the duration of the investigation.
(iii) women’s organizations, indigenous organizations and all right thinking Guyana to stand up and speak out against the unwarranted violence meted out against our indigenous sister Gladys Emmanuel and on the relentless attacks on our womenfolk.
(iv) on the PPP and its leadership to resist any temptations or entreaties to intervene or to pervert the course of justice in this grave matter and allow the law to run its full course without let or hindrance.
