Dear Editor,
We, the executive and members of the North American Democratic Council (Toronto Chapter) write to you in order to register our absolute dismay at the unleashing of reckless violence by ranks of the Guyana Police Force on the peaceful protesters at Linden, killing three of them and injuring many others.
It is of particular concern to us that the horrific conduct of these policemen came at a time when we are all aspiring to build a strong, democratic society in which peaceful protestors could expect to be treated with absolute respect, irrespective of their differing point of view. We are left to wonder if this seemingly mindless behaviour by the errant policemen reflects the callous attitude of Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee, who expressed the view that Guyanese were more concerned with the arrival of their barrels from overseas than the outcome of allegations of torture against members of the disciplined forces.
We, the officers and members of the NDC (Toronto Chapter), would like to extend our sympathies to the relatives, loved ones and friends of all those who have suffered in this tragedy, and affirm without reservation or trepidation, our solidarity with the people of Linden in their struggle for justice and fair treatment.
Finally, we wish to state that we will be monitoring the government’s response to this barbaric act against its citizens by the very persons whom they appointed to protect them.
Yours faithfully,
Paul Simon (President)
Ken Herod (Treasurer)
Michael Parris (PRO)
