But they were not satisfied and demanded more asserting that
there was more. Shivanie said that at this point one of the
bandits asked her grandmother for money but the woman could
barely manage to make a sound. One of the bandits then
threatened to rape Shivanie and her grandmother then revealed
where she had her savings and jewellery.
Rampersaud and Shivanie said that was the last sound, they
heard Budhia make. Shivanie said that her grandmother had been
“gasping” before but after that, she fell silent.
The bandits took over $1 million worth in jewellery, $150,000,
US$120 and Cdn$110. They also took a carton of cigarettes, two
cellular phones and drank some beers before leaving.
Rampersaud recalled that during the ordeal, she had been taken
to the room she shared with Shivanie, placed on the bed and had
her feet bound. She said one of the men told her, “Babes, I
din come to do this. I didn’t cooperate with them to do
this.”
She said she also heard one of the men on a phone, apparently
calling someone. She said a car was mentioned and then there was
silence.
Shivanie related that before they left, one of the bandits
patted her on the head and told her “we’re leaving lil girl,
take care”.
The grieving girl said that once they had left, she struggled to
free herself and managed to free her hand and loosen the tape
from her eyes and mouth. She said she saw her grandmother lying
there motionless, and attempted to awaken her. “I just keep
shaking her, she couldn’t move.”
Rampersaud, who had also managed to free herself, by this
time, also attempted to revive Budhia but got no response, not
even when they sprinkled water on her. There was froth on her
mouth, they said.
They then called a neighbor and told him what had happened.
Up to then, music was still blasting at another neighbour’s
home. However, after they went over to relate the news, it was
turned off. Other residents were alerted.
Shivanie said they called 911 repeatedly, but no one answered
the phone. She said they also called the La Grange and Wales
police stations but received no answer. “It took long but then
La Grange answer the phone,” she said.
Basmattie
Rampersaud (left) and Shivanie at their home yesterday.
Relatives from Georgetown, who had alerted about the incident
and were on their way to the Canal Number Two home, told this
newspaper that they stopped at the La Grange Police station but
found it in darkness. They then went to the Wales Police
station, where they were told that police had already gone to
the scene.
“They took a really long time to come after we call
them,” Shivanie said stating that this was about 45 to 50
minutes after the first call was placed. She declared that the
police arrived around 2.15 am.
Grieving relatives gathered at the home yesterday. Budhia was
remembered as someone who was very friendly. The relatives
lamented that the woman, who often worked in her garden, was not
sick but healthy when she died.
Police said they are awaiting the results of a post-mortem
examination as investigations continue.
Unsolved murder 
Gerry
on October 21st, 2008 7:08 amI hope they face the death penalty. A murder was committed during the course of a robbery therefore they are responsible for that woman’s death.
[Reply to this]
Roger
In reply to the above comment on October 21st, 2008 8:13 am:I hope the death penalty is ever abolished in Guyana, and animals such as these are being disposed of once found and known to be guilty. Where is the human-rights people who scream and kick when they hear of the death penalty? Poor grand mother; could have been any one of ours. Hang-in there my family. Wish I was there to help you.
[Reply to this]
guy123
on October 21st, 2008 7:18 amI hope they can identify them if they see them again, something tells me they are known to these people, they might be from their area, hmmmmm, sympathy to this family.
[Reply to this]
boston quadro pro
on October 21st, 2008 8:01 amSET UP! SET UP! set up!
y 12pm & neighbour have music playing. that’s a residential area. There should be a time limit as to when to stop playing music.
those SCUM BAGS have the nerves to take advantage on 3 women! and worse yet had one to succumb? also the Police maybe getting a draw back.. took them 45-50 mins to arrive? The other police station was dark??? who knows if is the police involve, y was there no lights at teh police station? oh, i forgot they were at teh ball next door having fun & at the stroke of 12 midnight they did not get out of the ball so they turned to RATS & PUMPKIN. As if teh robbery is not enough now the family is left to mourn the death of the mom & grandma now. You family members have to do your own investigations & take the law into your own hands. Police are involve in tha robbery….
My sincere sympathy to the family. May her soul RIP.
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LoveGT 4 Real
on October 21st, 2008 8:50 amThese dogs have struck again.
The heartless nature of these animals mean that when they are caught they should be excuted for this crime, PERIOD!!
They are so darn ignorant, how the hell could they bound an elderly woman like this?
The Pain and suffering of innocent families is way too much to handle, and to think that some “hot shot” lawyer is going to spout all sorts of crap in their defense irritates me.
Dare I say that the “Wire tapping law” would not have been able to prevent this one?
Why the hell don’t Govt. commit it’s resources to enhance police patrols through out the country, obtaining proper forensic equipment, reducing the response time for 911 calls, establishing a “Functioning” ambulance service, to name a few?
My sincere condolences to the affected families.
PS. Of recent, bloggers have been offering condolences almost on a daily basis, for citizens whose deaths could have been prevented one way or the other…………………..this is so darn sad!
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John Smith
on October 21st, 2008 8:53 amNow I have to take a few breaths before I comment, this has infuriated me to the core of my being. Those lazy, monstrous, money grabbers need to be caught now, because they will attack hard working people again. Catch them and hang them high.
I have been saying for the longest time, how are people allowed to blast their music at all hours of the nigh and early morning, disturbing the peace of others. Is this something the neighbours always do? If not, what was the reason for the celebration? Do male(s) live in the house and they were out or only females? These heartless crooks seem to have been furnished with information, maybe the feting neighbours might know more than just the lyrics of those songs they were blasting.
My sympathies to the traumatised family, this is so sad.
[Reply to this]
Mohamed I. Ally
In reply to the above comment on October 21st, 2008 11:03 am:While blasting of music at all hours of the day or night must not be condoned, these beasts had no right to kill the old lady.
Had this woman been my mother, the outcome will surely be different.
The police lack the intelligence to find killers. I would have gone on a one-man mission to get these killers and hang them high - myself.
May her soul rest in peace and solace.
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John Smith
In reply to the above comment on October 21st, 2008 1:17 pm:Had the music not playing that loud, maybe someone would have heard a scream or something. They had no right to violate people’s privacy much less to plunder and kill. If we don’t stop being selfish and not think about our neighbours well we are all doomed. May the mercenaries have mercy on us all ( like that is going to happen)
Melainie
In reply to the above comment on October 21st, 2008 11:34 am:Now that is not right to tell some one what to do in there own house, now more power to the people who could still find some fun in that hell whole of a country dont try to take that way from them ,put the blame where it is due and that is the goverment,they are the one that let that country get out of control.What about the cops they were not there maybe they were at the party too.that was not meant to be funny but think of it .My sympathy goes out to the family.
[Reply to this]
John Smith
In reply to the above comment on October 21st, 2008 1:29 pm:I am not taking anyone’s right away. What about the rights of others, to have peace and quiet so they can hear when criminals are breaking down their door, maybe they can run for safety? What happened to that right. We can’t depend on the government muchless the police, we see that too many times and we should learn from that. If we don’t keep ourselves safe no one is going to do it for us. Anyway let the people blast their music, eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we shall all die at the hands of the bandits.
Melainie
In reply to the above comment on October 21st, 2008 1:59 pm:well what are you doing are they suppose to not have some fun and just sit and watch and wait to see when someone is going to rob them, then everyone is going to be miserable, and live in fear ,and they have work so hard ,all I am saying be creative think of ways to protect yourself men women and children that is what it comes down too in Guyana, because you said that the cops aren't and the government.
Arnold
on October 21st, 2008 8:59 amWhen those criminals are caught, they should be tried as soon as possible and hanged.
———————————————————————-R.I.P———————————-
[Reply to this]
Cousin Teena
on October 21st, 2008 9:01 amSo sad - thoughts and prayers for the family. On the other hand, what kind a caring thief man been deh, but he din come fuh do this? He’s probably acquainted with them in some way.
[Reply to this]
allison
In reply to the above comment on October 21st, 2008 10:53 am:my thoughts exactly, makes one wonder eh. anyways, may her soul rest in peace
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GTTROOPA
on October 21st, 2008 9:06 amMy beautiful country what the hell is going on. Fineman gone STOP the stupidity.
My deepest sympathy to the family.
[Reply to this]
GTTROOPA
on October 21st, 2008 9:06 amMy beautiful country what is going on. Fineman gone STOP the stupidity.
My deepest sympathy to the family.
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Wahdap
on October 21st, 2008 9:19 ammy sympathy to the family of Ms. Budhia, she did not deserve to die like this, but this small country is full of so much crime that anybody can be killed at any time.
Look like the government isn't get no clue how to protect the people. Dey seh fine man and skinny and crime gon stop but dey forget that dey get hundreds of young people wid no wuk who looking fuh a career in crime, so dey ain’t targeting this group. I blame the government for this endless crime problem.
Ms. Budhia seem like a lively decent woman who was enjoying she life wid she family, I am terribly sorry about her death.
But why was the police station in darkness and why dey did not respond, Jagdeo must answer those questions for the family.
[Reply to this]
Parmanand Dholichand
On Tuesday, October 21st, 2008 9:20 amThe PPP government cannot handle the crime situation in Guyana. The PNC,afc and JFA parties should come together and get rid of the PPP.These three parties should work along with all the other political parties and visit all the robbery victims and help them. A special fund must be set up to help the needy victims. President Jagdeo should resign because he cannot deliver the goods when it comes to reduction and solving of crimes as well as corruption.
[Reply to this]
kabaka
on October 21st, 2008 9:21 amMy condolonces to the family.What a shame, 3 cowardly men allacking defenceless women .To compound the situation,murder.Whats up with the police station in darkness and not responding to 911.This is indeed shameful.I hope the authorities are paying attention.
[Reply to this]
UltimateW
on October 21st, 2008 9:36 amWhat’s going on over there ! How many more innocent people must die before the authorities take this situation very seriously.
They got no response from 911 , La Grange or Wales police station , so where were the police , they don’t work at the stations anymore , or they were busy waiting for their buddies to return with the loot before they turn up and pretend that they don’t know anything ? This is
[Reply to this]
ella
on October 21st, 2008 9:46 amI extended my deepest sympathy to this family who lost their loved one in such a cruel manner, a life that could have be spared had it not been for greed. I am concerned at the response rate of the authorities, since valuable clues may have been lost during their delay. What is this I’m reading about no response on the 911 line. On my recent visit home, it seems like the airways were filled with ads about why not to make prank calls to this number, leaving me to question if there was just one line. In this case people people truly in distress called and received no answer, makes me wonder what 911 is truly for? Does it close at a certain time? Midnight maybe? Don’t have us thinking that you have put all these measures in place to safeguard residents when clearly the are unreliable. Try get your house order.
[Reply to this]
Desi
on October 21st, 2008 9:46 amPresident Jagdeo: The time is long past for your government to get a handle on rampant crime. Guyanese can get by with existing infrastructure; we already live with mediocre health services, roads system, public utilities etc. What we desperately, DESPERATELY need is security. We deserve the freedom to walk the streets as needed, to make our purchases, to socialize, and to, at least, experience the joys of living rather than merely surviving. Like you and yours, we have the right to enjoy the fruits of our labor, to experience an untroubled adolescence, to pursue careers of our choice without fear of being murdered in the course of service to others, to occupy our homes unmolested, to sustain our families as adults and to savor our life’s experiences peacefully as we get older. President Jagdeo and Party, like you and as humans, we deserve equal protection, equal care, equal attention, equal respect, and equal chances to exist. You, the duly elected government of Guyana, have a duty and responsibility to guarantee that we have, at the very least, an opportunity to experience the essence of being human. An opportunity to LIVE.
[Reply to this]
Forbes Moore
on October 21st, 2008 9:48 amWhat kind of lawlessness is going on in Guyana? My sympathy to the family. I feel angry. The entire country should be angry. The government should be blamed for failing to protect it’s citizens. The entire police force should be disbanded. The Minister of Home Affairs should be fired. Green and his top brass should be tried for crimes against humanity. Enough is enough. This carnage must stop. There are well trained overseas guyanese who are willing and able to build a meaningful police force, if asked. The present police force is a joke. How the government can tolerate this meaningless band of nothingness to protect Guyanese, makes me, not only angry, but sad indeed.
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William J
on October 21st, 2008 10:04 amYou’re almost nervous to open Stabroek News page these days. Everyday…
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D11N
on October 21st, 2008 10:23 amMy sincerest condolences to the family….to endure such trauma has a life long effect. I pray with the presense of family, friends and God you will be able to move on.
But this is what bugs me, there will be the usual outrage….ministers will make visits and promises…a flury of letters and comments…the victims will bury their dead …..then what; we wait again not knowing if we will be the next victim.
Our leaders try to make all knd of excuses, the crime is race driven…. directed by politicians with devious motives etc, never wanting to face the truth …..crime is mostly driven by poverty and drugs in our Country and unless we can reduce these, then the volume of vicious crime will continue to increase.
These criminals know the response time, capabilities and attitude of the police..low morale, no transportation …some of them were policemen; that of the Government….more stakeholders and committe meetings; that of the opposition …blame the government; that of the public ….hopelessness,and fear.
So not even with the extermination of skinny and fineman will this type of crime cease, not when the root cause is not being dealt with…..POVERTY.
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vwg
on October 21st, 2008 10:32 amI find a lot of things wrong in this story.
Now tell me : why were the neighbours playing their music so loud so late?
What is up with the phone at the station, then lights off in the station!!! where were the cops, home? or they were sleeping?
people paying 33 &1/3 and cant’ get the services of the people their hard earned money going to. ha……. that has got to be lawlessness or a mean joke!!!!!
Now those bandits robbed those people and kill that woman………God don’t like ugly…
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zai
on October 21st, 2008 10:38 amMy heartfelt sympathy to the family of this tragic crime. it is horendous to have a child of 13 being exposed to such brutality and threatened of being rape. how disgusting. Arnold, John Smith, I agree with you, we need to have the death penalty. it appears that our Ministers in charge of the armed forces are all on vacation. how come so very frequently these horrible things are happening to one section of the population. i wonder how these criminals were brought up. Education begins at home. what laws can be put in place to deal with situations like these, when the police cannot respond. the neighbours blaring music at that hour. I wonder what these people will do when they have to stand in front of their maker. it appears as though no one is paying any heed to these situations. Maybe later on we will have some promotions in the police force. this is entirely sickening.
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ALL_GT
on October 21st, 2008 10:51 amSTART HANGING A FEW FELONS.. SHOULD WE NOW INSTITUTE ISLAMIC LAW ?
A FEW MISSING HANDS AND PUBLIC STONINGS SHOULD DO THE TRICK. THIS NONSENSE HAS TO END..
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tiger
on October 21st, 2008 11:08 amheartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family, the police should have acted in a more hasty responce, its the same story again and again , you cannot get through to the police when necessary, there’s no police available, and all the bull—- you get when someone is being murdered, then again it sounds as if they were all asleep at the time very shameful and a disgrace.
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ALL_GT
on October 21st, 2008 11:12 amCome on Commissioner, what’s happening here? This is an easy case for detectives. The bandits used a cell phone and based on that time and cell tower they could get the phone numbers easily.. Start working detectives, you slept well and did not respond to the calls. Earn your money!
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Pandit
on October 21st, 2008 11:13 amI visited ( from Canada ) and spoke to Aunty Roni. Just over a week ago. She was so full of life and her eyes lit up when I spoke to her about her relatives here in Canada. It is so sad to hear and read of her death.
Please find those who did this QUICKLY and throw the book at them.
My deepest sympathy to the family.
[Reply to this]
evileyes
on October 21st, 2008 11:26 amFolks,these killers had full cover….Neighbour’s music blasting at that hour of night….no response from 911….the other police station in totaldarkness..
Bandits do not remain in your house for an hour…
Yet again…onother…condolence goes out to another innocent family…..
[Reply to this]
LoveGT 4 Real
In reply to the above comment on October 21st, 2008 11:59 am:Evileyes, there have been other robberies where bandits remained for much longer than an hour my friend.
How come?……………………….it’s simple, they know how lethargic the GPF is in responding to emergencies.
All the taxes people have to pay and yet the system remains void of some essential services.
[Reply to this]
evileyes
In reply to the above comment on October 21st, 2008 1:59 pm:B4 U RESPOND…WHY NOT READ CAREFULLY WHAT I SAID???THEN U MIGHT UNDERSTAND IT….
amen-ra
on October 21st, 2008 11:29 amMy condolences goes out to the family for such lost, i felt she died from a heart attack because of the trauma that was set upon her. I don’t understand how come the 911 system in guyana dont work, police dont answer the phones and all the money the govt just allocated to the security system recently and nothing works this is unacceptable, in serious crimes the police always comes late, while giving the bandits ample time to wrech havoc and escape. I hope they get caught and brought to justice if any is left in guyana.
[Reply to this]
dmaestro
on October 21st, 2008 11:59 amGuyana was once a beautiful and peaceful place. What is wrong with our people? The government has to find a way to protect the citizens from the misfits who are bent on chaos.
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bing
on October 21st, 2008 12:42 pmMy prayers go out the victims. When they caught the bandits they should hang them right away.
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boston quadro pro
on October 21st, 2008 1:05 pmGUYANA IS BECOMING A PLACE OR LAND OF ‘DOG EAT DOG’ & FIGHTING FOR SURVIVAL… LIKE BOB MARLEY SINGS ‘BUFFALO SOLDIER’ FIGHTING FOR SURVIVAL…. I GUESS THE LIONS & TIGERS DEAD [FINEMAN & SKINNY MAN’ BUT LEFT THEIR CUBS BEHIND…. LOL
I HAVE TO GO NEXT MONTH DEM BETTA PREPARE FU THE GREETINGS THEY WILL GET FROM ME…. HOPING WITHIN THE 3 WEEKS STAY THEY WILL GET A REAL CRASH COURSE IN ‘ STOP OR SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES’ LESSON FROM ME….
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owen
on October 21st, 2008 1:29 pmDid they have to kill her?????? These people have no heart. Something’s got to be done, and fast. This is now lawlessness to to highest degree. My sympathy goes to the family. It must have, and will always be a pain in the heart of the little one to witness such an act. They ought to be strung up under the nearest tree when caught, I hope the villagers get to them first.