– Police reiterate Mingo’s detention is lawful
Thousands of commuters were severely affected on Sunday as residents of Belladrum, West Coast Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), continued their protest, demanding that Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo be released from Police custody.
Mingo is accused of attempting to alter the results of the elections in favour of the APNU/AFC coalition by using concocted figures during the tabulation of votes for Region Four – the country’s largest voting district.
He was slapped with four charges and is expected to make his appearance today at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
Mingo, who is said to be from the village of Belladrum, was arrested by the police on Tuesday last at his Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD) home and escorted to the CID Headquarters where he was being questioned. He was later transferred to the Sparendaam Police Station where he is being held.
However, on Saturday, residents took to the streets on the East Coast of Berbice, demanding that Police release Mingo.
The protest intensified on Sunday where protesters lifted an old building which was once used as a shop and placed in in the middle of the road, thus obstructing the flow of traffic.
“Free Mingo,” they chanted as the shell of an old car was also dragged onto the road which was already filled with other debris including discarded refrigerators, chairs, tables and logs.
There were also smaller blockages at El Dorado and Foulis. At El Dorado, vehicle tires were placed on the roadway and burnt to prevent vehicles from traversing.
“They eye pass black people, they got fo kill we,” one of the protesters was heard saying while another, without mentioning any name, suggested that Mingo should not go unpunished if found of committing electoral fraud.
“Worst than this people do when he get lock up.” The police kept a high presence in the area with the intention to maintain law and order but the vulgar behaviours dominated the day.
“We want Mingo. Bring Mongo,” other protesters shouted. Many of the residents had armed themselves with sticks and other similar weapons.
Meanwhile, traffic stretched for miles, forcing people to turn away. Police after some time were able to clear a section of the road, allowing the slow flow of traffic.
Meanwhile, in a release, the police stated that the protest was unlawful and such behaviour can only cause harm to the well-being of innocent citizens.
Mingo, the release noted, is a part of an ongoing investigation into electoral fraud following the elections on March 2.
Additionally, the police stated that the protest constitutes a denial of the rights and freedoms of tens of thousands of citizens who need to use the public roadway in the exercise of their constitutional freedom of movement.
Moreover, the gathering of protesters and the miles-long build-up of traffic on both sides of the road at Belladrum are a clear violation of the COVID-19 guidelines which are currently in place as part of Government’s efforts to mitigate the effects and spread of the global pandemic in Guyana, thereby endangering the lives of tens of thousands of Guyanese.
The police advised that persons desist from continuing in these activities that will only serve to disrupt the normal lives of the residents of the village of Belladrum in particular and the entire country in general.
“The Police Force maintains that the detention of Mr Mingo in custody is lawful as ruled upon by the High Court in an application filed by Mr Mingo’s Attorney Darren Wade for Habeas Corpus Ad Subjiciendum,” the police stated.
The police also took the opportunity to inform the protesters that it will use all lawful means necessary to clear the public roadway at Belladrum of all unlawful obstructions in order to make it safe for use by the citizens of Guyana.
Meanwhile, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Executive Joseph Harmon in a statement on Saturday said four other Afro-Guyanese GECOM employees, including three females, have also been held without bail or charge and as such called for mass protest aimed at causing chaos in Guyana.
The court had ordered the police to release Mingo by 14:30h on Saturday but instead the investigative ranks instituted the charges in relation to electoral fraud.
In an APNU/AFC statement on Saturday evening, Harmon slammed the actions of the police and demanded that they cease and desist from inciting and intimidating Belladrum residents.
The statement added that “The Guyana Police Force has this evening transformed the peaceful West Coast Berbice village of Belladrum into a virtual war zone.”
Specifically, Harmon called on Commander Cooper, Deputy Commander Mandal and Sergeant Mc Donald and all other officers and ranks who have occupied the village to stand down with immediate effect.
Reports from the village are that heavily armed police in full riot gear have taken up positions at virtually every corner of the village and residents are frightened and fearful of their alarming and sudden presence.
