The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) has condemned the personal and physical assaults, robberies and the other acts of thuggery committed by persons on the outskirts of George-town, on Thursday.
FITUG said in a press release that it was aware that the protest began around mid-morning outside the George-town Magistrates’ Court, in Middle Street, long before any alleged insensitive statement was made by Dr Roger Luncheon but added that statements which were made by Luncheon, could not justify arson, robbery, and assaults under the cover of protests. FITUG stated that homes, relatives and babies of the leaders and architects of that urban chaos were all safe and far away from where the incident occurred.
The group also added that ultimately, it is poor, working-class citizens who are made to suffer – innocent workers and school children.
The release further explained that within the context of FITUG’s acceptance and recognition of citizen’s right to protest peaceful and lawfully, it could not accept that the ingress and egress of peaceful citizens to and from their workplace and homes should be blocked by groups of masked youths, non-resident protesters and politically motivated activists.
The group said it is hoped that non-violent means be employed by those who fashion and lead protests, adding that no long-term economic good is ever derived from the destruction and utter lawlessness.
