Anger, frustration as raped teen laid to rest
Amidst the scorching sun, residents along the East Bank Berbice and from afar joined regional officials, students, relatives and friends to pay their last respects to the murdered Leonard Archibald, 13. As emotions overflowed at the funeral service persons muttered between themselves, “He coulda been alive today if something bin do early on”; “The police slack in (here) that’s why we end up so,” and many other comments, all negative to the police. As Archibald’s body arrived at his parents’ home in Brother’s Village, East Bank Berbice, his entrance was met with stifled sobs from within the gathering. Persons were still speechless and in shock. Some residents vented frustration and anger at the parents of the accused who did not show up to the funeral. One person said, “How you think it look? It look like you ah support you child fuh what he do to that child. You na even seh leh you show you face and grieve with this family.” During the service Regional Chairman, David Armogan, was called upon to express his condolences to the grieving family. He also used the opportunity to urge persons to focus on finding the root cause of the problem. Armogan condemned the barbaric act. He stressed, “Our region should not have these things; our region should be peaceful; people should be able to walk freely.” He underscored that it is not the fault of the parents or the child himself but rather those in the community and in authority should all take some blame for what took place. “Maybe if we had taken the precaution early we could have avoided this. We didn’t do that. Maybe we are all at fault, not only the police but the neighborhood as well.” The chairman urged them to take back their community and make it safe again. “Take back your community; that is your responsibility, take it back from these rogue elements.” Meanwhile, a member of the Regional Committee in Region Six, Barbara Pilgrim, in her message sounded the clarion call to embrace each other and to work with authorities together so that the children of today can have a better future.
(Kaieteurnews.com)