Three GDF soldiers confess to strangling Bartica resident
- After robbing him of $17M in cash
By Michel Outridge
Relatives accompanied by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard were combing
the murky waters in the Essequibo River up to press time yesterday in search of the body of missing Bartica resident Dweive Kant Ramdass.

Strangled Ramdass and threw his body overboard in the Essequibo River

Ramdass is the victim of a robbery by three members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) who have since confessed to his murder.

Two Privates and a Lance Corporal who were manning the Coast Guard RC 12 motorboat in the Essequibo River told investigators shortly after their arrest that they strangled Ramdass, took the money he was carrying and threw his body overboard in the Essequibo River, in the vicinity of Bonasika Creek.

The soldiers made off with $17M in cash which Ramdass was carrying in a box to Bartica for his employer, Baksh, who is based in the city and operates a gold and diamond business.

Kaieteur News

Ramdass’s brother, Vasu Ramdass, told the Guyana Chronicle yesterday that his sibling left home shortly after 14:00h with a quantity of gold for Parika and was on his way to Bartica with the money on Thursday afternoon when he was intercepted by the members of the GDF Coast Guard and forced into their boat at the Parika Beach, East Bank Essequibo.

He explained that his brother had made similar trips and had been working in the business for several months.

Ramdass, 24, of 95 Third Avenue, Bartica, attempted to solicit help by using his cellular phone but was prevented when he realised he was in danger.

Vasu Ramdass stated that his sibling is single, has nine other siblings and was trying to make a living like everybody else when he was murdered.

He condemned the brutal killing of his brother by the GDF ranks and asked that the authorities look into the matter vigorously.

The GDF members took away Ramdass in their boat, relieved him of the cash, murdered him and returned to the Parika Stelling where a woman was waiting for them.

She is the sister of one of the ranks and was given $5.7M in cash to hold. She too was arrested at Parika Stelling and unconfirmed reports stated that another portion of the money was recovered by the police during a roadblock exercise.

The ranks reportedly split the money in three portions after they killed Ramdass.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) condemns in the strongest possible terms the criminal action of its Coast Guard ranks stationed at Fort Island.

A press release said yesterday said their actions in no way represent the ethos and character of the GDF.

“It is reprehensible and will be met with the full force of the law. At present the ranks implicated are in Police custody,” the release said.

Cadet Amar Rajcumar - murdered by Jagdeo's men

The document added that the GDF has since launched a full inquiry into the circumstances that led to the murder.

It added that it is clear from initial reports that there was a breakdown in the command and leadership structure at this unit, for which strong administrative action will be taken.

  ( same 'S' said after  Soldiers murdered Cadet Amar Rajcumar)

The Coast Guard will lead and continue the search until the missing businessman is located.

“The GDF wishes to assure citizens, the fishing community, fishermen, small boat and other vessel operators that the Defence Force subscribes to the highest of professional standards and will continue to discharge its mandate notwithstanding this unsavoury incident,” the released explained.

The Force also expresses its regrets to the family of the missing businessman for the pain they may be enduring.

Saturday, August 22, 2009