Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee says that the use of live rounds by the police during last Wednesday’s protest action which left three persons dead was a breach of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of the police force.
According to the Government Information Agency (GINA), Rohee stated, during a special programme on the Linden protests, that prior to the tragic July 18 incident, he had held discussions with senior officials and he was given the assurance that live rounds were not going to be used by the police in deterring the Linden protestors.
He explained that tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannons could have been used to restore order. However, he said, the use of live rounds is a deadly response which is not catered for in the SOPs for use in situations such as the protests which ensued at Linden.
“To say that the SOPs were followed, I would say yes, but only up to a point which I saw in the footage, the rest I cannot vouch for, the inquiry will allow for a full assessment of what took place,” he said.
The minister lamented the loss of lives during the protests and he extended sympathy to the relatives of the deceased, saying that this was not a “calculated move”.
“Those who are involved in a demonstration have a right to do so, but that right should not impede the right of others who have nothing to with what the demonstration is about,” Rohee stated.
He also denied allegations that he was giving instructions to ranks at Linden via a radio system on what actions to take on the day of the shootings. He explained there is no way that a handheld radio in Georgetown can connect onto the frequency of the radio network in the mining town.
“This is a fabrication. Each police division has its own radio frequency. You cannot be in Georgetown and talk with someone in Linden, it’s impossible,” he stressed.
As it relates to whether or not the protest was in politically motivated, Rohee explained that based on intelligence gathered by the Home Affairs Ministry as well as the observations of civilians, political activists were seen in Linden almost on a daily basis leading up to the protest.
As regards calls for his resignation, Rohee stated, “I would continue to serve the people of Guyana, my conscience is very clear, with respect to this matter. I am prepared to face the Commission of Inquiry anytime if I’m called.”
Rohee also attempted to clarify the non use of the water cannon on the day of the incident. He said that when equipment was handed over to the police force, it was left to the police to manage and use same as they saw fit.
