The effects of recent protests at Hopetown, West Coast Berbice and at Buxton, East Coast Demerara have major implications on the minds of Guyanese, and more so the violence, injury and damage to property that ensued.
Historically, throughout the world, protests have been used to inspire positive change, and even in present day, protests continue to protect civic space in some parts of the world.
However, the descent and cause for these two most recent destructive protests – which resulted in injuries, damage to property, and great intimidation – is far from inspiring any positive change.
In the case of the Hopetown accident victims – the GDF reservist and the teenager – they are thankfully recovering well.
In situations like these, emotions and tempers flare, but the disruption of traffic, blocking of roads, and burning of tyres and traffic flow terrifying commuters does not equate to justice, change, or benefit to anyone. As a matter of fact, last Sunday’s action by protestors, to torch the car involved in the accident, has hindered the Police investigations.
We agree with commander for Region Five Division, Assistant Commissioner Kurleigh Simon, when he expressed concern over persons overreacting in such situations and seeking vigilante justice.
To quote the commander: “… that would have seriously affected our investigation, because that car would have had to be examined by a certifying officer to see what were the extent of damages caused by the accident. With the car being burnt, it would somewhat affect that process…we have to be balanced in looking at both sides of the coin. We have to look at the accident first and foremost, and then we have to look at the fact that he was assaulted and his property was also damaged. We have to be fair in executing our duties and ensuring that justice is properly served.”
As reported in the media, the situation that led to the protest and the burning of a truck at Buxton, ECD was a completely different situation, but with same impact and implications.
This was a situation similar to what obtained in June 2022 when, in the quest for justice for 23-year-old Quinden Bacchus, who was shot during an encounter with Police on June 10,2022, the perception of justice was turned into injustice for vendors at the Mon Repos Market, ECD.
Bacchus’s family members are understandably hurting, and their pain and anger were triggered by a false report that the Policeman under investigation for the 23-year-old man’s death was released from custody. Of course, this information turned out to be false, but without confirming what they had seen on social media, the family came to their own conclusion. This publication has, time and again, called for persons to be cognisant of the five Cs – caution, care, common sense, courtesy and consideration – when using social media, as many of the things posted can arise to haunt thrones. The assault that descended on the East Coast of Demerara, and more so the vendors of the Mon Repos Market, is a good example of this haunt of thrones.
The issue of wanting justice via ‘vigilante’ justice poses a serious threat to real justice for victims. The right to protest must never be marred by violence, theft and criminal behaviour.
At the time when the protest was held for Bacchus, President Dr Irfaan Ali had told one protestor – a close relative of the dead man – “Justice for your family cannot be injustice for other people too.” He was at the time referring to the robbery and assault on vendors of Mon Repos.
We support his comment then and now, since it is still relevant today.
