They said CARICOM shared in the deep sense of loss experienced by the Guyanese Government and its people as a result of what they described as a heinous act of violence, which they strongly condemned.

"Such acts of violence have no place in the democratic culture of the Region and undermine the political, economic and social stability of the countries of the Community," the Foreign Ministers stated.

They expressed the hope that the investigations launched by the Guyana Police Force would result in the capture of the perpetrators and their being brought to justice.

The Secretary General of CARICOM, Edwin Carrington, expressed condolences to the family of the late minister, the Government and people of Guyana.

"The callous destruction of human life and the consequent suffering that has infiltrated our society risk shredding us of our decency, civility, humanity and intrinsic Caribbean spirit," Carrington noted.

Acknowledging the work of the late minister, Carrington stated that the Government and people of Guyana, and indeed the wider Caribbean Community, have lost someone who demonstrated exemplary commitment, dedication and determination in the discharge of his ministerial responsibilities.

"He was particularly committed to seeing that the farmers and fisherfolk benefited from their toil and that the fruits of their labour provided adequately for his country and the Region," the CARICOM Secretary General noted.