Justice delayed is not always justice denied.
In July 2015, our beloved sibling and friend, Noel “Nephi” Luther, a transgender Guyanese, lost his life in a violent attack in Georgetown. Noel’s death remains a painful reminder of the discrimination, stigma and transphobia that members of the LGBTQI+ community continue to face.
For more than a decade, the pursuit of accountability continued. Kanand Ojha, who had been wanted in connection with Noel’s death, was arrested in Queens, New York, in September 2025 and has now been deported to Guyana to face the legal process. Ron “Andel” Forde, who was also involved in the case, was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2017 after pleading guilty to manslaughter.
Guyana Trans United acknowledges and thanks the Guyana Police Force and the law-enforcement partners involved in the years of work that led to Ojha’s return to Guyana. This development represents an important step in ensuring that Noel’s case continues through due process and that their family can continue seeking justice.
We, the members of the LGBTQI+ community, stand resolute with Noel’s family, friends, loved ones and everyone who continues to remember him.
Noel was more than a name in a case file.
Noel was our friend.
Noel was our sibling.
Noel mattered. Noel still matters.
We call for justice, accountability, dignity and equality for all LGBTQI+ people in Guyana.
Justice for Noel Luther.
End transphobia.
No more violence against LGBTQI+ people.
We remember. We stand together. We continue to seek justice. Guyana Trans United