National Security Advisor condemns protests at Belladrum

– says “settling differences on the streets is unacceptable”

Advisor on National Security to President Dr Irfaan Ali, Gerry Gouveia on Monday condemned the protest actions carried out by supporters of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) at Belladrum, West Coast Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).
Gouveia alluded that it is quite unfortunate that the Government has received several threats over the two-day protest.
“Sadly, we have been having a lot of threats. Every time a fraction of our society gets upset; they talk about street violence. Since 2018, we have ensured going to the courts to resolve our differences and I want to urge all stakeholders while you have a right to protest, you do not have a right to block main thoroughfares. You do not have a right to obstruct people from going around their business.”
The Advisor believes that it is vitally important that political leaders lead their supporters by telling them the truth.
“…if we have a difference, we have the court of law to settle it…Settling differences on the streets is unacceptable. Back on the 7th of March when there were people on the streets because of what was happening in GECOM with Mingo attempting to steal the elections. The Private Sector came out very, very strong and urged people to get off of the streets and stop obstructing and hurting people.”
Gouveia further stated with the COVID-19 pandemic, business is very slow, and by blocking the streets it can cause a lot of delays and setbacks.
“By blocking business, you are stopping ambulances and produce from coming to the city, and that is not the way we want to develop Guyana. We want to follow the rule of law. If you have to protest please do so within the frameworks of the law.”
Residents of Belladrum took to the streets on Thursday with placards demanding Clairmont Mingo, the Returning Officer charged for electoral fraud, be released from Police custody. At the time, he was in custody pending a court appearance.
Mingo along with two Guyana Elections Commission staff, Enrique Livan and Sheffaun February, were charged for electoral fraud stemming from the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, when they allegedly altered to results to favour a win for the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC).
On Thursday, the protesters began blocking the main thoroughfare by burning tires. On Sunday, they lifted an old building which was once used as a shop and placed in in the middle of the road, thus blocking the flow of traffic. The protesters even turned on the police, throwing missiles at them.
As a result, hundreds of vehicles were trapped on both sides. However, later in the evening, the protesters returned to the streets and defied the request by the police to return to their homes.
As such, Lawmen were forced to resort to the use of tear gas as protesters defied orders to disperse.
In the process, a policeman, as well as a protester, were injured at Belladrum, and its neighbouring villages. The police were subsequently able to restore order.