As Guyanese head to the polls today, the Capital City and most commercial zones across the country will be on lockdown after the day was named a national holiday.
The Regent Multiplex Mall securing its windows
However, with little to no activity expected, businesses in Georgetown have secured their premises – and not just the daily lock-up routine.
On Sunday a spot check by Guyana Times in the city showed business owners securing their properties with plyboards and iron bars, to gear up for any eventuality during the elections process.
Their actions stemmed from Guyana’s history of violence on polling day.
One of the stores that were barred
One of the businessmen, who was on the site ensuring that his business was well secured, said: “You never know what might happen, we are praying for peace, but we fear violence. We are protecting what we have in case anything goes wrong.”
Many others were seen doing the same but opted not to talk when approached by this newspaper.
Nevertheless, many of the businesses with glass fronts were covered with boards like the GuyOil Gas Station located on Regent Street. Those multi-story buildings like the Regent Multiplex Mall on the corners of Regent and Wellington Streets, secured the glass wall on its first two floors.
The Regent Multiplex Mall securing its windows
Security was also heightened by business establishments on nearby Robb and Charlotte Streets as well as on Church Road. Some businesses used iron bars to cut off access to their entrances as well.
Georgetown is no stranger to elections-based violence. The city, particularly Regent Street, was ravaged at the 1962 and 1997 elections, during which several businesses and even vehicles were burnt, damaged and looted.
While there was no such rioting at Guyana’s last elections in May 2015, violence had erupted in certain communities across the country.
The Sol shop gearing up for elections
There were disturbances in and around Georgetown in the evening and night of the election.
People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) candidate, Kwame McCoy was physically assaulted by supporters of the then Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) coalition.
Later that elections day, as polls closed, fires were set to eight vehicles, including a minibus and three SUVs – one of which belonged to PPP/C candidate Joseph Hamilton and another belonging to a pastor who was attacked after a rumour circled that he was a PPP/C supporter, and had set up an illegal Polling Station at his home.
The angry mob also looted the supporter’s house as well as his neighbours. The incident also led to a standoff with ranks of the Security Services.
