A 34-year-old young woman was killed this morning in Saint-Laurent when she opened her pharmacy. This Saint-Laurentaise was married and mother of 4 children. The circumstances of his death shocked the entire Guyanese society and the reactions to this new drama of violence are numerous.
The entire population of Saint-Laurent is in shock. The atrocious attack committed by a homeless man on Monday April 8 left no chance for his victim Hélène Tarcy-Cétout, a healthcare professional, pharmacist and volunteer firefighter who died as a result of her injuries.
This new tragic news item in the western city, which has been plagued for months by ever-increasing violence, is causing concern.
Spontaneously, residents gathered in front of the shopping center where the events occurred to say no and stop the ignominy and pay tribute to the young pharmacist.
There have been numerous official reactions since this morning. The pharmacists’ union immediately stepped up to the plate and the curtains of all pharmacies in Guyana were lowered. Only the on-call pharmacy dispensed medications at the on-call counter.
The president of the Territorial Collectivity of Guyana, Gabriel Serville in his press release castigated: “This act, as abominable as it is cowardly, plunges the population and particularly the community of local pharmacists and firefighters with whom she intervened, into fear and sadness…”. He also underlined the young woman’s dynamism and commitment to health issues in the region, recalling that she was one of the winners of the national competition of 101 women entrepreneurs, received at the Elysée in March.
A demonstration in which took part the delegate for women’s rights, Isabelle Hidair-Krisky who also expressed her immense sadness in a text which recalls the qualities of commitment of this young pharmacist:
The mayor of Kourou, François Ringuet on its social network Instagram expressed its solidarity with the family of Françoise Tarcy-Cétout, to the Saint-Laurent firefighters.
The mayor of Saint-Laurent recalls the circumstances of the murder in the city’s only supermarket and the stature of the victim, a young pharmacist who, a month ago, was rewarded at Matignon as part of the competition “101 women entrepreneurs” once again appeals to the Head of State. She requests the establishment in her city of the continuity of “XXL net squares” operations.
“The town of Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni presents all the characteristics of a territory heavily impacted by drug trafficking and violence and must benefit from such an operation”.
She also recalls:
“…Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni is a border town in Suriname which is experiencing profound economic, social and political difficulties. This country is supposed to be a hub for drug trafficking and also a place of passage for illegal immigration to Guyana from Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Brazil… The gang phenomenon numbering 14 listed is today proven in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni and draws its origin and its success from a numerous and adrift youth. Finally, the free movement of weapons, when there is not even an armory in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, is a major subject throughout the territory. »
“All of Guyana is in pain » say deputies Davy Rimane and Jean-Victor Castor, recalling that “This drama once again highlights the total failure of the so-called protective state and requires public authorities to attack the sources of insecurity… The Guyanese are suffering, Guyana is in a situation of generalized chaos…”
The mayors’ association expressed its deepest sadness and indignation at this tragic event. The press release also announces thea closure of all town halls, public intermunicipal cooperation establishments and the management center on April 12n gesture of mourning and call for collective reflection. Schools will remain open so that there is “a time for discussion and discussion around violence, to raise awareness among our young people of this crucial issue and encourage them to build a more peaceful society”.
The PSP association – Positive Soholan Pikin – which held a meeting on April 5 on violence, invites a large gathering in front of the Saint-Laurent sub-prefecture this Tuesday, April 9 and to a ghost town from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m..
PSP officials say: Enough is enough !!! All together against insecurity.