Nineteen persons were arrested for throwing squibs in Alexander Village on Tuesday night and a quantity of squibs were seized, police said last evening.

According to press release those arrested were placed on bail to return and charges will be laid shortly.
A police press release said that ranks were on duty at a Diwali activity which was held at the Mandir in Cross Street, Alexander Village when they observed a number of squibs being set off at various areas within Alexander Village.

There was a crowd of approximately 3,000 persons on the roadways, who were there to witness the event, which included the lighting up of the Mandir and other buildings.

The ranks responded and managed to arrest a total of 19 persons and seize a quantity of squibs, the release said adding that ranks also received and responded to a report that during this period Renita Richardson of Hunter Street, Albouystown, had collapsed as a result of one of the squibs being thrown at her.

She was taken to the Georgetown Hospital by the police where she received medical treatment and was sent away.

Further, the release said the flashing light unit of the Police Force vehicle PGG 6210, which was being used to patrol the area (Alexander Village), was damaged by a squib that was hurled at the vehicle.
An official of the Mandir reported to the police that the noise from the squibs was affecting the conduct of the function.

However, the police ranks made every effort to stop the use of squibs by members of the public in the area at the time.

“The Guyana Police Force wishes to advise the general public that the possession and use of squibs is a breach of the law and action will be taken against persons found in default”, the release warned.
The squib throwing during Diwali has been a recurrent problem for the mandir.