Mildred Mansfield Youth Club President attacked during interaction with WIN MP

– club accuses party members of instigating violence in community

The Mildred Mansfield Youth Club (MMYC) has strongly condemned the assault on its President Andrew Daly during what it described as a “heated and unnecessary” interaction with community members which was instigated by leaders of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party and led by the party’s Member of Parliament (MP), Tabitha Sarabo-Halley. The incident occurred on Saturday in front of the Club, located on Durban Street, Werk-en-Rust in Georgetown, where the WIN parliamentarian had gone to engage residents. But according to the MMYC in a statement on Sunday, this attack did not happen in a vacuum. “It was the direct result of rising tensions fuelled and instigated by the leadership of the We Invest in Nationhood Party, who continue to insert themselves into community matters in a reckless and divisive manner.

Their repeated interference promotes distrust, inflames emotions and fractures the unity that communities like ours depend on to function peacefully.” “We view this as an irresponsible provocation which resulted in the unfortunate outcome of violence. The Mildred Mansfield Youth Club will not accept or normalise this dangerous behaviour,” the missive detailed. For over 50 years, the MMYC has served as a pillar of youth development, community service, discipline and empowerment. The club said it has worked consistently and constructively with Werk-en-Rust and other neighbouring communities to uplift young people, build social cohesion and create opportunities. The MMYC said it hates to see this progress collapse because of “petty politics, manipulation or division.” Nevertheless, the club stressed that it will not be distracted, intimidated, or derailed by those who see community spaces as platforms for conflict and political disruption. “The MMYC calls on the WIN party leadership to cease and desist from actions that undermine community trust and which lead to the creation of hostile environments. The wellbeing and safety of residents, especially young people, must never be sacrificed for attention or political gain,” it posited.

Against this backdrop, the MMYC emphasised its commitment to peace, partnership and progress. It declared that the club will continue to work as it always has, with Werk-en-Rust and communities across Guyana and will continue to defend the integrity of the MMYC and the safety of those who serve it. “Violence has no place in our community work unless that work is to end the violence and build better relations to ensure the wellbeing of community dwellers,” the MMYC declared in the missive. Meanwhile, the WIN party has denied the accusations in a statement following the incident on Saturday.
“An engagement took place between Mr Daly and us as we sought clarity on the matters reported by the residents of the community. During this exchange, unfortunately, an individual approached the gathering and assaulted Mr Daly. It is important to note that WIN doWes not condone violence in any form,” the party stated.