Following the fatal shooting of three protesters at Linden on Wednesday, Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee has directed Top Cop, Leroy Brumell to make immediate changes at the Command level of the E & F Police Division under which the town falls.
Opposition political parties and others have called for the removal of the police commander and ranks involved in the fatal shooting of the three protesters: Selwyn Boyea, 18, Ron Somerset, 19 and Alan Lewis, 54.
In a statement last evening, the Ministry said that “within the meaning of the Police Act Ch 16:01 (Rohee) has issued general and specific directions to the Commissioner of Police (ag) to effect immediate changes at the Command level at E & F Police Division of which Linden is an integral part.”
The statement said that the ministry fully supports the call and the decision by the administration to establish a Commission of Inquiry with an international dimension yet to be determined. The administration has promised a “full investigation.” As an integral part of the administration the Ministry of Home Affairs stands ready to cooperate with the Commission when it is established and in keeping with the agreed Terms of Reference, the statement said.
In addition, it said that a request has been made to the police commissioner for a “full, comprehensive, and immediate” report on the matter. According to the statement, the ministry understands that work has already begun on the said report. “However, much depends on the speedy arrival of the bodies of the deceased in Georgetown to allow for the post mortems to be conducted by the competent medical authorities,” the ministry said. It emphasized that the events which took place at the McKenzie-Wismar Bridge “was strictly a Police operation with no direct or indirect involvement of the Ministry of Home Affairs.” It said that it has been following with deep interest the “unfortunate” turn of events at Linden.
Opposition Leader, David Granger told Stabroek News last evening that during talks with President Donald Ramotar yesterday, one of APNU’s demands was that the commanding officer of the E&F Division be removed. He said that APNU was satisfied that adequate warning was not given to protesters and lethal fire was used when it was not warranted. He said that it was up to the government to implement their request and noted that the continued presence of the officer and the ranks in Linden will likely infuriate the relatives of those killed.
Four measures
The AFC, in a statement, also said that it had put four measures on the table during the meeting with the President for immediate implementation. These were the appointment of an Independent Commission of Inquiry with international agency representation and involvement and a “Good Officer” to manage the process; the immediate removal of the commanding officer and ranks involved in the incident; the resignation of the Minster of Home Affairs and a moratorium on the imposition of the rate hike pending a review by a panel of experts. “This review should include an assessment of the operational costs of BOSAI as well as the impact of these rate hikes on the poorest by way of a means test. The panel’s report should be presented to all stakeholders within 6-8 weeks,” the AFC said. In relation to the tariff hike, Granger said that this was not really discussed at the meeting.
The PNCR in a statement called on the police to institute charges against the Commander of “E” and “F” Division over the deaths of the trio.
“This officer who spent all of his life at the Tactical Service Unit (TSU) is steeped in the art of the use of unlawful force. The choice to place him in Linden at this sensitive time is a clear indication that the Government intended to use lethal force…” the PNCR said.
The party also called for the immediate resignation of Rohee stating that he was “just as guilty” as the police officer. It added that Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds must take full responsibility for what is occurring in Linden.
“The PNCR also demands the setting up of an impartial inquiry into (Wednesday’s) murders.
We demand that the control of the Guyana Police Force be returned to the Commissioner of Police and the immediate removal of the Minister of Home Affairs office from Police Headquarters, Eve Leary,” the statement added. “The Party also demands that the President and his Administration immediately suspend the unwarranted increases in electricity rates at Linden until responsible discussions and negotiations are held with the legitimate representatives of the citizens,” it said.
The PNCR reiterated its solidarity and support for the people of Linden and called on Lindeners to maintain their resolve and not allow the recent incident to out the fires of their legitimate struggle for survival. “The just struggle must continue until the PPP/C Administration comes to its senses and seriously addresses the current problems being faced by the citizens of Region Ten, particularly, Linden. The Party will also maintain its solidarity and support with A.P.N.U. in any and all initiatives taken at this time in defence of the rights of the citizens of Linden,” the statement said.
Transformed
Meanwhile, the Home Affairs Ministry said that it regrets the loss of lives over the GPL tariff rates issue “which, in its view, remains an economic and financial issue but which unfortunately, was transformed into a highly charged political atmosphere.”
It added that the Joint Services will continue with their joint patrols in an effort to maintain an environment of peace and calm and good order at Linden.
