The Julie Chase murder 1948

Dec 21, 2024 Letters

Dear Editor,

It was felt that the incident which sparked off the riot was the climax of animosity towards the citizens of Portuguese descent by those of African descent who felt that there was a difference in justice meted out to them.

One case cited was the murder of Julie Chase, a mulatto girl, by her paramour Manoel Gonsalves, a Portuguese, in broad daylight in the presence of a witness. He had shot the girl with a revolver after accusing her of infidelity. Gonsalves was condemned to death, but for some reason or the other, the Officer administrating the Government at the time considered the case and the sentence was commuted to penal servitude for life.

Unfortunately, not long before a citizen of African descent had been executed for a similar offence. This made the Afro-Guyanese population indignant that justice meted out to one race was different to the other. The government classes were well aware of the mistake made, and the Judge of the Supreme Court memorialized the Secretary of State on the subject in fear that such distinctions in the administration of justice might have serious consequences. The memo was confirmed in a very short time, but then the damage was already done, therefore when the rumour went on March 19th, that a person of Portuguese-descent had killed a boy of African descent, those of African-descent were more than ready to take justice into their own hands.

Sincerely,

Frank De Abreu

(The Julie Chase murder 1948)