In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through the community of East Canje, Berbice, a 77-year-old pensioner was found dead on Thursday after allegedly being choked by a man on the roadside. The victim, identified as Pooshandeo Rambaran, was discovered motionless at Lot 13 Goed Bananen Land, East Canje, Berbice, following an anonymous tip to local police.
At approximately 10:30 hrs on that fateful Thursday, an unidentified caller alerted the Berbice police to a disturbing scene unfolding on the road. The caller reported witnessing a man choking another individual. Responding swiftly to the report, a police officer arrived at the scene to find Rambaran unresponsive.
Emergency services were immediately called, and the elderly victim was rushed to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital. Tragically, upon arrival, a doctor pronounced Rambaran dead.
Law enforcement acted quickly, apprehending a suspect in connection with the alleged homicide. Ramjit Ranlall, a 48-year-old security guard from Adelphi Village, East Canje, Berbice, was taken into custody. As of the latest reports, Ranlall is assisting police with their ongoing investigation into this tragic event.
This incident highlights a disturbing trend of violence against the elderly in Guyana. Recent reports indicate a surge in cases of elder abuse, ranging from physical violence to financial exploitation. The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has recognized this as an alarming concern within communities, encompassing various forms of abuse including physical, verbal, emotional, and socio-economic.
In light of such incidents, there have been calls for more robust legislation and increased efforts to prevent elder abuse. The government has initiated awareness campaigns and established a 24-hour toll-free hotline (914) for reporting cases of elder abuse.
As the community grapples with this tragic loss, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of our senior citizens. It underscores the urgent need for enhanced protective measures, community vigilance, and a collective effort to ensure the safety and dignity of Guyana’s elderly population.
The case of Pooshandeo Rambaran is not just a statistic but a call to action for all Guyanese to stand united against elder abuse and work towards creating a safer environment for our senior citizens.
