GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Apr 8, CMC – The Deputy Mayor of Linden, Dominque Blair, Tuesday called “for a full, impartial, and transparent investigation,” into the circumstances surrounding the police shooting of 26-year-old Ronaldo Peters.
“It is with deep sadness and concern that I acknowledge the tragic death of young Ronaldo Peters, who was fatally shot by police yesterday in Linden. This heartbreaking incident has sent shockwaves through our community, and our thoughts and prayers are with Ronaldo’s family, loved ones, and all who are mourning his loss,” Blair said in a statement.
He said that as the Deputy Mayor, he stands with the people of Linden in demanding answers.
“A life has been lost under circumstances that must be thoroughly examined. I am therefore calling for a full, impartial, and transparent investigation into the events that led to this tragedy. The family, our community, and the public deserve nothing less.
“Trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve is vital. When that trust is broken, we must come together not only to seek justice but to ensure accountability and prevent such tragedies from ever occurring again.”
The police officer involved in the incident is under close arrest and has been moved to the capital, Georgetown.
Police said that Peters was wanted for rape that allegedly occurred between December 1, 2024 and January, 31 this year and that he was spotted near a bar on Monday evening.
“As a result, the Sergeant and party of ranks went to that location. The Sergeant was armed with a 9mm service pistol, and another rank was armed with a .38 service revolver.”
The police said Peters started to run and attempted to jump a fence, but that the Sergeant managed to pull him off the fence “and in the process of subduing him, his service pistol, which was his right hand, went off and Peters was hit”.
Peters was shot to the abdomen.
Bair said that Linden is a resilient town, “but we are also a community that values justice, fairness, and the sanctity of life.
“I urge all relevant authorities to act swiftly and with integrity in handling this matter. Let us honor Ronaldo’s memory by committing ourselves to truth, justice, and lasting change. I will remain engaged as this process unfolds and will continue to advocate for the well-being and safety of all citizens of Linden especially our young people,” Blair said.
The Police’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), which looks into the conduct of police officers, has taken up the case and the main opposition People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) said it is deeply disturbed by “the excessive and fatal use of force in this incident”, adding It revealed “the brokenness in our security sector.”
“We emphasize our demand for greater accountability from the Government of Guyana. We call for improved training, better oversight, and a renewed commitment to human rights in the conduct of law enforcement in Guyana,” the PNCR said.
The Alliance for Change, another opposition party, also called for accountability, saying “as Lindeners, as citizens, and as human beings, we are outraged” demanding a “transparent, independent” investigation.
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