The Private Sector Commission (PSC) and several chambers of commerce have sounded their concern over the resort to the use of deadly force by members of the Guyana Police Force during a confrontation with protestors in Linden on Wednesday.
In a statement on Thursday, the PSC said it was “gravely concerned at the use of deadly force” by the police and it appealed for “restraint by the security forces.”
“The [PSC] is deeply disturbed at the loss of life, damage to property and breakdown of law and order at Linden,” the body said in its statement, while extending condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
The statement came a day after three people, Selwyn Boyea, Ron Somerset, and Alan Lewis, were shot and killed and at least 20 others were injured after police opened fire on them. Police have said that they had to resort to using tear gas and later fired shotgun cartridges, after missiles were hurled at them by protestors—an account challenged by some of the injured and others present at the protest.
The PSC urged government, the parliamentary opposition and principal stakeholders to meet on the situation, saying that there was a need for dialogue to defuse the growing confrontation and avoid any further escalation of violence on issues affecting Linden/Wismar community. It also offered to provide input and support to aid in reaching an amicable resolution. At the same time, it appealed to all stakeholders to make safety and security of the country and economic development of Linden their first priority and paramount consideration.
On Thursday, the government and the parliamentary opposition met to negotiate a path forward and the administration later reiterated its pledge of a “full investigation.” It made no mention of a Commission of Inquiry, which opposition leader David Granger said was “definitely” agreed to, with terms of reference to be formulated.
Meanwhile, a day after meeting with President Donald Ramotar met with members of the Linden Chamber of Industry, Commerce and Development (LCICD), the body condemned the use of deadly force by the police against the protestors and appealed for restraint.
The body also urged residents to refrain from acts of violence. “We call on the community to desist from any acts of violence that would further hurt us,” it said yesterday in a statement, where it extended sincere condolences to the families of those who lost their lives as a result of protest action. The LCICD noted that it has already initiated a call for dialogue between the government and stakeholders and reiterated its appeal.
The Executive of the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCC&I) also sounded registered its disappointment in the manner in which the situation was handled, while noting that it caused the loss of lives and damaged to property and disruption in travel arrangements between southern Guyana, the coast and capital city. “We feel that there should have had more dialogue with those concerned before taking such drastic action which brought about conflicts and public unrest,” the RCC&I said in statement released on Thursday. “It is our hope that good sense and judgment prevail as the outcome of this conflict if not amicably resolved can seriously affect lives of our people in the hinterland and border communities,” it added.
In extending condolences to the bereaved families and relatives of “the fallen fighters,” the RCC&I said it hoped that through dialogue a workable compromise could be forthcoming in an effort to resolve the situation and ultimately unite the people.
“We have developed an excellent working relationship with our brothers in Linden together with our friends in neighbouring Venezuela and Brazil and we hope to strengthen these bonds of friendship with our neighbours but unless we stand united and strong we will fail to garner support and respect from our friends on our borders,” the RCC&I said, while adding that it awaits positive results from the dialogue and a speedy resumption to normalcy so that the people can continue their daily livelihood in peace and tranquillity.
The West Demerara and East Bank Chamber of Commerce and Industry urged that security personnel exercise restraint under the circumstances. “We are also calling on the police and security personnel who offer services and protection not to be provoked to the extreme but to be cautious and exercise restraint under such testing situations,” it said on Thursday, while hoping for peace and calm to prevail after the loss of life in the town. It added that the wanton destruction of properties and the loss of lives would only add sufferings in the region. “Our deepest sympathy goes out to the families who have lost their loved ones under these circumstances,” it said, while calling for constructive dialogue and a peaceful resolution of the situation. “It is our expressed hope that all political leaders will work towards harnessing peace and stability for the progress of our people and country. We call on all leaders to advocate for peace through dialogue on a common ground of understanding,” it added.
The Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association (GMSA), which said it was “deeply disturbed” over the situation in Linden, yesterday added its support to business organisations that have spoken out and it appealed for an early resolution.
“We recognise the complexities of the situation so we encourage continued dialogue among the key stakeholders in order to quicken an amicable solution and return the community to normalcy,” it said in a statement. It added that it stands firmly with all business support organisations, including the Linden Chamber of Commerce, offering its support to any public education programme, and all efforts to ensure the safety of the residents and their places of business. “To the families of the deceased, the GMSA extends our heartfelt condolences and wish those who were injured a speedy recovery,” it said.
