The Guyana Public Service Union said yesterday that it views what occurred last Wednesday in Linden as “tantamount to murder and attempted murder” when police opened fire on protestors killing three of them and causing injury to at least 20 others.
The shooting occurred near the Wismar/Mackenzie Bridge which had been blocked when Lindeners came out in their numbers to protest over an increase in power tariffs which took effect July 1.
“…collectively our actions must ensure that this situation never repeats itself. It must be noted that it is twice in less than a year since the Ramotar regime has come into office that guns have been savagely turned upon peaceful protestors,” the GPSU said in a press release yesterday evening.
“It is nonsense that we are being told about the non-involvement of the government in this barbaric action, we do not accept that. What we need to be told is who is responsible and what actions will be taken against the culprits,” the union declared.
The GPSU further contended that there can be no excuse for what has happened, noting that sufficient notice of the planned protest was given to all and sundry.
“If there was a will to avoid wanton slaying of much needed human resources and damage to property, the government would have deployed suitably equipped law officers,” the union argued.
It also stated that it “would like to put on record its objection to use of lethal force against civilians, who are engaged in demonstrations to better their livelihood.”
