Linden shootings, protest Opposition MP urges residents to stop destroying vital infrastructure

…calls for swift justice

Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Jermaine Figueira and prominent leader in the community of Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), is demanding swift justice for the families of the two men who were killed allegedly by members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and while as residents also protest – making similar demands for swift justice – the parliamentarian is urging that they do so responsibly.
Ronaldo Peters, 21, and Keon Fogenay, 32, were killed allegedly by police officers on Monday and Tuesday, respectively.

In protest of the killing of Peters, residents on Tuesday set fire to the existing Wismar/Mackenzie bridge as well as the new structure under construction.
In an interview with this publication, however, Figueira reminded citizens of the economic potential of their community and urged that they not jeopardise it.
“I understand the state of the anger of the community but equally we have a duty and responsibility to act within the confines of the law and more so, not to destroy private and public property and more so the infrastructure,” the parliamentarian said.
“I saw the bridge was on fire. Now that bridge is an important artery for transport within this region…and it serves the community of significant value and if we damage the facility and if there’s an emergency on the Wismar shore for an ambulance or fire reel, how can they access the bridge if it is burnt down?”
In this regard, Figueira said “I call on the residents of Linden for us to be peaceful in our protest action, respect the laws and ensure that we don’t destroy the infrastructure that service the community.”
In the same vein, however, the Opposition MP demanded reforms within the GPF in addition to urging a thorough investigation into the incidents that unfolded.
Fogenay was killed during the protests that unfolded on Tuesday.
“I am angry and the community is angry, rightfully so. Because we’re of the view the use of lethal force should have been the last option because based on the information that I gathered, the first guy who got shot…he was running from the police and the police opened fire, killing him. The other guy, I’m told, was heading home from work to meet his family and he too was shot, and it brings into question (the conduct) of the police with regards to their SOPs. I think it was blatantly ignored,” Figueira said.
“I don’t believe the men posed any risk because none of them brandished a weapon for the police to consider using such lethal force towards them,” he added.
The Opposition MP called for the use of cameras by officers in plain clothes as well as those carrying lethal weapons.
He also called a thorough investigation and swift justice for the families of both men who were killed.

The officers involved in both fatal shootings have been placed under close arrest while the Office of Professional Responsibility with support from the Regional Security System (RSS) investigates both situations.
Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces President Dr Irfaan Ali, in a statement, said “every aspect of these incidents will be examined thoroughly and transparently, with external oversight.”
Opposition inflames, sow division
Meanwhile, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) expresses its deep concern over the tragic deaths of the men, noting that it supports the widespread calls for a full, thorough, and professional investigation into both incidents.
In a statement issues, the party welcomes the assurance from President Dr Irfaan Ali that the officers involved in the two shootings are currently under close arrest, as advised by the Commissioner of Police.
“The People’s Progressive Party condemns in the strongest terms this dangerous politicisation and calls on all citizens to exercise calm, good sense, and restraint. We urge residents, particularly in Linden and surrounding communities, not to allow themselves to be misled or used by those who view tragedy as an opportunity to push a political agenda”.
“While these tragic events deserve a united and compassionate national response, it is regrettable—though not surprising—that the political opposition and its extremist fringe elements have chosen to politicise these incidents. As is their pattern, they have rushed to inflame tensions and sow division for narrow political gain, showing little regard for the victims or their grieving families. It is also yet another attempt to deflect from their glaring ineptitude and lack of appeal. They have no plan or strategy to develop the country or enhance the well-being of Guyanese, and no track record to stand on—hence their constant resort to seeking publicity by exploiting misfortune for political points.”