Scores of persons have alleged that they were robbed, physically abused and had their vehicles damaged during the unrest at Agricola two weeks ago, but to date no report has been made to the police.
Thousands of people were trapped on the East Bank for about five hours on October 11, after residents of Agricola came out in their numbers setting fires and using old vehicles and other rubble to block the main road.
A few days later Crime Chief Seelall Persaud told this newspaper that there had been information circulating that “quite a few persons” were robbed in that area but no one had come forward to lodge an official complaint.
Another senior police officer told this newspaper recently that checks were made and from all indications persons had still not come forward. Up to yesterday checks were being made at the various police stations in that area to see whether reports had been made. “We are still checking to see,” the officer stressed.
Affected persons should have lodged reports at the Providence and the Ruimveldt Police Station. Ranks were taken from a number of police stations in `A’ Division as well as the Tactical Services Unit (TSU). Ranks from the Riot Squad were also the ground.
The officer noted that at this point the seriousness of the robberies is unclear as well as the estimated number of persons who were allegedly targeted.
He said that during the unrest it would have been difficult for the ranks to concentrate on the growing crowd because of the fires that were being set.
It was estimated that at least 50 ranks were on the ground at the time but they “were spread out”.
According to the officer though the atmosphere in Agricola remains tense the police are still continuing their community outreach to the youths and the school.
Police officials have said that they are handicapped and cannot assess the situation or take action, if victims do not come forward. “If no one comes forward what can we do? We can’t do anything,” one official said.
One source expressed the view that there were not enough ranks on the ground and because of this and the police’s poor execution of their duties they were unable to maintain law and order in a timely manner. The source said that the police did not show concern for the helpless commuters who could not get to their homes. The source pointed out that the wise thing to do, would have been to cordon off both ends of the roadway leading through the community and have ranks present in the crowd. The source pointed out too that ranks should have been using loud speakers to address the crowd as opposed to shouting.
While this newspaper was at the scene it was observed that some time after 6.30 pm police regained full control of the western thoroughfare and were stopping persons from passing in the vicinity of Alpha Hotel. But at some points while the police were directing their attention on the protestors, persons managed to sneak pass that barrier.
At this same time, fires were burning on the eastern carriageway which prevented persons from passing the area on foot.
This resulted in a buildup of persons and vehicles and it was there that persons were robbed.
Meanwhile, this newspaper was told last evening that a Canal, West Bank Demerara resident was robbed of cash by a mob of men who had t-shirts tied around their faces. After being stuck in traffic for a while, the woman and her husband decided to park their car and make it home the best way they could on foot. This was around 8.30 pm.
Stabroek News was told that as they were heading in the direction of Agricola, a group of young men with their faces concealed approached and demanded that she hand over her valuables. She handed over $5000.
The woman who operates a business in the city opted not to report the matter to police since she felt that the amount taken was insignificant and because of the fact that she was not harmed during the incident.
The following day, as she was attempting to drive pass the community the front windscreen of her car was broken.
Police in a press release several days ago issued a warning over lawless protests. The release stated that on October 11, a large number of persons who claimed to be protesting following the death of Shaquille Grant who was fatally shot during a police operation on September 11 in Agricola, blocked both carriageways of the East Bank of Demerara roadway with the use of burning tyres, other debris and obstacles, bringing traffic to a standstill and leaving thousands of commuters, including the elderly and school children, stranded for several hours.
“In addition, criminal elements seized the opportunity presented and proceeded to rob and beat persons who had sought alternative routes through the village. The unruly protestors, some of whom were armed with cutlasses and pieces of wood, continually threw incendiary devices, bricks, bottles and other missiles at the police ranks engaged in maintaining law and order, resulting in many of them being hit. One rank, Corporal Kwesi Lawrence of the Tactical Services Unit, sustained burns to both thighs and an injury to his left eye,” the release said adding that as a result of the protestors’ behaviour, police used rubber bullets and tear smoke.
“While we have been showing considerable restraint, the force cannot and will not allow persons who appear to be using the pretext of protesting to cause mayhem and confusion in the society,” the police said while noting that it was the primary law enforcement agency responsible for public safety, the maintenance of law and order and the protection of life and property.
