The Guyana Police Force today issued a statement recognizing the right to protest but warning that lawless protests which infringe on the rights of others and lead to unlawful acts will see appropriate action.
The statement comes in the aftermath of unrest at Agricola last Thursday which trapped thousands of people for five hours along the East Bank. There was an attempt at a similar protest yesterday but this was quickly broken up by the police. The statement follows.
“The Guyana Police Force respects the rights of all citizens to protest peacefully on issues of concern to them and the Force has no objection to persons conducting peaceful protests.
“However when protests degenerate into a series of unlawful acts infringing on the rights of other citizens and putting the protection of life and the safeguarding of property at risk, the Police Force will as a consequence have to take the appropriate action in response.
“The Guyana Police Force has so far demonstrated a high level of restraint in dealing with protestors at Agricola on the East Bank of Demerara.
“On Thursday October 11, 2012, a large number of persons who claimed to be protesting following the death of Shaquille Grant who was fatally shot during a police operation on September 11, 2012, in Agricola, blocked both carriageways of the East Bank of Demerara roadway with the use of burning tyres, other debris and obstacles, bringing traffic to a standstill and leaving thousands of commuters, including the elderly and school children, stranded for several hours.
“In addition, criminal elements seized the opportunity presented and proceeded to rob and beat persons who had sought alternative routes through the village.
“The unruly protestors, some of whom were armed with cutlasses and pieces of wood, continually threw incendiary devices, bricks, bottles and other missiles at the police ranks engaged in maintaining law and order, resulting in many of them being hit. One rank, Corporal Kwesi Lawrence of the Tactical Services Unit, sustained burns to both thighs and an injury to his left eye.
“The police were forced to resort to the use of rubber bullets and tear smoke to eventually bring the situation under control and allow traffic to flow.
“Again, during the afternoon of yesterday Monday October 15, 2012, persons attempted to block the East Bank of Demerara thoroughfare with fiery obstacles; but this was prevented by alert police ranks who quickly removed them from the roadway.
“Police ranks were again besieged with bricks, bottles and other objects being thrown at them and also endured taunts, verbal abuses and derogatory remarks.
“Some of the missiles being thrown by the protestors damaged motor vehicles on the way through the community.
“The Guyana Police Force is the primary Law Enforcement agency responsible for public safety, the maintenance of Law and Order and the protection of life and property and remains resolute in carrying out its mandate.
“While we have been showing considerable restraint, the Force cannot and will not allow persons who appear to be using the pretext of protesting to cause mayhem and confusion in the society.”
