Upset with the results of Monday’s presidential election and amid claims of rigging, hundreds of APNU supporters thronged Public Buildings last evening even as leaders of the three main political parties met inside and committed to remain in contact to discuss issues of concern.
Heavily armed police and bodyguards patrolled inside the compound while other lawmen hastily threw up cordons as hundreds of chanting, shouting APNU supporters gathered outside and at one point, waving branches, flags and banners, marched through the Stabroek block, pushing down police barriers. Many, citing economic deprivation, blamed the PPP for this and expressed the view that this will continue under president-elect Donald Ramotar. “No place fuh Donald,” they said, in what has become a rallying cry for the APNU campaign. At one point the frenzied crowd attempted to open one of the gates of the compound but they were unsuccessful.
Inside the Public Buildings, the leaders, Ramotar, APNU’s presidential and prime ministerial candidates –David Granger and Rupert Roopnaraine, and AFC’s presidential candidate, Khemraj Ramjattan met for less than an hour.
Following the meeting, Granger and Roopnaraine emerged to loud cheers from the crowd. Chanting, laughing and shouting, persons swarmed around Granger and began to walk from the Public Buildings heading along Brickdam to the Square of the Revolution. On bicycles, motorcycles and cars the large crowd some waving branches and flags, followed him.
Questioned about the meeting, Roopnaraine said that it did not have a specific agenda. “I think everybody has a general concern about the situation…” he said. He added that the parties have committed to remain in contact “but any future meetings will be based on some working mechanism.”
Once at Square of the Revolution, Granger assured the crowd that they will not let them down. “We have asked for verification.
That is our position. We have also started to talk to people to make sure that your interests are not jeopardized.
Whatever happens we are going to look after your interests,” he said. He said that APNU is strong and pointed out that between them, the opposition parties control 33 seats in the 65-seat National Assembly “so we have the voice in the National Assembly and we will use that voice just like you used your vote, to make sure that your interests are represented.”
“We are working for you and we will continue to work for you,” Granger said while appealing for them to be patient. After this statement was made to the agitated crowd, there was some delay as they awaited a public address system.
Upon its arrival, Granger re-emphasized that APNU has demanded that there be an -all party verification of the statements of poll from the general elections. “Our struggle for that verification continues but brothers and sisters we are on your side. We understand what you wanted before the elections and we understand what you want now. We will not let you down. We will continue to work…” he said. “We know your concerns. We ask that you give us the opportunity to address those concerns. Stay calm,” he added.
He suggested that supporters meet this afternoon to discuss strategies on how to tackle the “crisis” but this was loudly rejected by some who wanted to meet earlier. “Dat too late,” they screamed. “We wan come in de morning,” some shouted. “Five o clock too late.” Granger suggested 10am at Congress Place and urged them to have faith. “We want know,” some shouted responded. “No wuk, no school,” they chanted. “Don’t give up the fight.”
Roopnaraine eventually calmed down the crowd. “We can come and talk right here” at 10am, he said. “We have business to do. We have business to discuss. APNU, we walked with you all the way down Brickdam. We will be walking with you wherever you walk,” he said. “It is important that you wait for instructions,” he added.
