When Darkness Came: How the “Fine Man & Skinny” Era Reshaped Policing in Guyana

The “Fine Man & Skinny” tragedies of 2008 changed Guyana forever. Discover how these violent incidents led to nationwide reforms, improved police tactics, and a stronger commitment to public safety.

Rondell Rawlins(left) Jermaine Charles(right)

The Tragedy That Shook Guyana

In the late 2000s, Guyana faced one of the darkest chapters in its modern history — a wave of violence led by Rondell “Fineman” Rawlins and Jermaine “Skinny” Charles.

Their crimes — including the Lusignan, Bartica, and Lindo Creek massacres — left families shattered and the nation in mourning. These brutal acts revealed the vulnerabilities in Guyana’s security forces and ignited a countrywide demand for reform.

Remembering the Victims: Lusignan, Bartica & Lindo Creek

Lusignan Massacre (January 26, 2008): 11 people, including five children, were murdered in their homes.

Bartica Massacre (February 17, 2008): 12 people, among them police officers, lost their lives in an armed assault.

Lindo Creek Murders (June 2008): Eight miners were brutally killed in a remote interior camp.

These events, etched in the nation’s memory, forced Guyana to confront the urgent need for better policing, intelligence, and tactical readiness.

A Nation Demands Change

The violence sparked Operation Restore Order, a large-scale security initiative that united the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and other Joint Services.

The mission ultimately ended with the deaths of Fineman and Skinny, but its greater impact was the complete re-evaluation of Guyana’s security strategy.

From that point forward, policing in Guyana would never be the same.

The Transformation of Guyana’s Police Force

1. Modern Intelligence and Coordination

The government began investing heavily in intelligence gathering, inter-agency coordination, and data-driven policing. Field operations became more strategic, allowing for faster detection of organized criminal networks.

2. Advanced Equipment and Forensic Capability

Launch of a modern crime scene vehicle equipped for on-site evidence processing.

Development of Guyana’s forensic lab capacity for DNA, ballistic, and digital analysis.

Expansion of body camera use — with more than 500 new devices added in 2025 to enhance transparency and accountability.

3. Stronger Community Partnerships

The growth of community policing groups has created direct collaboration between citizens and police.

In 2025 alone, 40 new groups were launched to strengthen local security, especially in remote areas.

(Source: Kaieteur News, Feb 2025)

4. Faster Response and Broader Coverage

4×4 patrol vehicles and new marine units now enable officers to reach interior and coastal regions more quickly.

The government also invested in CCTV and Safe City systems, expanding surveillance coverage across multiple regions.

5. Policy and Training Reform

Through the GPF Strategic Plan (2022–2026), training and operations now emphasize professionalism, ethics, and proactive crime prevention.

New policies — such as the removal of the 24-hour waiting rule for missing person reports (2025) — show a greater commitment to citizen safety and timely response.

Regional Success Story

Georgetown Division (Region 4A) recorded a 30% drop in serious crimes thanks to improved mobility and constant patrols.

Community policing and surveillance systems are now extending to mining and hinterland communities for the first time.

A New Era of Safety and Trust

The Fine Man and Skinny period was a turning point — one that tested Guyana’s resilience and unity.

From that pain came purpose: a collective determination to build a safer, smarter, and more transparent policing system.

Today, Guyana stands stronger:

Law enforcement is better equipped and trained.

Crimes are being solved faster.

Communities are more involved in safety efforts.

While challenges remain, the trajectory is clear — Guyana has evolved from reaction to prevention.

Conclusion: From Tragedy to Transformation

The memory of the lives lost in Lusignan, Bartica, and Lindo Creek continues to guide Guyana’s mission for security and justice.

The transformation of the Guyana Police Force shows how far the nation has come — and how tragedy, when faced with courage and reform, can inspire lasting progress.

As Guyana grows and modernizes, the lessons of the Fine Man and Skinny era will forever remind us that peace, vigilance, and unity are the strongest forms of defense.