Dear Editor,
Mr Mark Archer informs us that the “Protest at Agricola had nothing to do with PNCR or APNU” (SN, Oct 24). His letter is a sharp rebuke of the AFC’s Mr Charrandass Persaud (SN, Oct 20) who had held APNU responsible for the violent attacks and robberies of commuters on October 11 on the East Bank.
So the public now has a stand-off between which party is really responsible for organizing the protest and what transpired at Agricola.
While Mr Persaud held APNU responsible, Mr Archer countered that it was the AFC that was responsible for organizing the protest and therefore any fall-out therefrom. Mr Archer said that ever since Mr David Granger became leader of APNU, the PNC had stopped its involvement in violent activities and has only been involved in “peaceful activities,” listing a litany of them.
So is the AFC now the party of ‘violence‘? If the PNC did not participate in the planning, organizing and staging of the Agricola rally, then the AFC must accept responsibility for what transpired. And the right thing for the party to do is accept ownership of the protest, say it was a mistake, call on victims of the violence to come forward to file a claim, and urge the police to find the attackers. An AFC promise to give financial restitution to the victims would also be greatly appreciated. I should note New Yorkers were beaten and robbed that fateful day – an experience they will never forget – all because measures were not taken to guarantee a peaceful protest which is the party’s democratic right.
Regarding the New York-based victims, American law allows them to file civil lawsuits to recover their losses from the organizers of the Guyana rally, especially if negligence can be shown. They should come together and file a class-based action lawsuit. The Guyanese Americans should also call on the US government to cancel the visas of Guyanese who were responsible for their beating and robberies unless restitution can be made. Examples need to be made of those who violently attack and rob overseas-based Guyanese when they visit their former homeland.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
