One of the buildings destroyed in the Linden inferno on Friday was a refuge for vulnerable children and orphans living with, infected or affected by HIV/AIDS.
Expressing its deep grief at the chain of events in Linden which led to the burning of the Linden Care Foundation, the United Women for Special Children (UWSC) said that since 2001 the facility served as a safe place for vulnerable children and orphans living with, infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. The organization, in a statement, said that it recognizes the democratic right to peaceful protest and condemns killings in such a situation but “finds it totally incomprehensible that any person or groups invoiced in peaceful protest or otherwise and knowing the work of the Foundation in the community could target children in such a way, an action that could have resulted in loss of life.”
“We understand the dangers that stereotype and stigma bring in the lives of HIV/AIDS affected and learning and physically disabled children across Guyana. Similarly, we recognize that the actions of a few arsonists are not reflective of the strong peace-loving community that exists in Linden and across the country,” the group said. “We believe Linden cares for their children,” it added.
The USWC urged the team at the Linden Care Foundation, families served by the facility and all other supporters to pool their resources in these difficult times to ensure that the children are not further isolated. “USWC recognises how traumatic this situation is for the employees, volunteers and all who are served by the Foundation. It is important that while we are aware of the dangers we regroup and remain focused on our objectives,” the statement said.
It said that the refuge was set up in 2001 with initial support from government and UNICEF. In 2004 the Linden Care Foundation was supported by CIDA and USAID programmes, resulting in some “incredible” work, the organization said. The statement said that the group partnered with the Rotary Club of Georgetown in 2006 to develop a safe place for the kids. “The list is extensive in terms of people who have pitched in, including the diaspora. It brought together members of the community as both employees and volunteers to work around the clock to ease the pain of our children,” the statement said.
Police on Friday said that fires caused by suspected acts of arson destroyed a number of buildings in the Linden community. These are the Linden Salvation Council building and the Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Church at Silvertown, Wismar; and buildings at Washer Pond Road, Mackenzie, which housed the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Office, the Linden Care Foundation Office, the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education, a canteen, and the Linden Electricity Company Office.
Another building behind the office complex was also burnt, the police said. Confrontation between Lindeners and the Joint Services in the wee hours of Friday resulted in the torching of eight buildings and an exchange of accusations between the two sides over who was to blame for the ongoing instability in the town.
