Over 100 arrested, 37 motorcycle seized after Police intensify crackdown on looters

… “joint services remain vigilant as Guyana returns to normalcy” – Home Affairs Ministry

… “inciting hatred and discrimination are against the law” – ERC

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has announced that all video footage, images, and other available evidence related to recent disturbances across the country are currently under active review. The Force stated that all persons implicated in criminal conduct, including arson, blocking and burning public roadways, malicious damage and destruction of private and public properties, personal violence, and acts of terror and domestic terrorism, will be arrested and charged.
The Office of the Commissioner of Police confirmed that individuals found culpable will be placed on a no-fly list. Additionally, their personal information and other particulars will be shared with regional and international law enforcement agencies.

According to law enforcement, the joint services have normalised the situation following widespread protests sparked by the tragic death of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge. Today, the Minister of Public Works provided support to the joint services in clean-up operations across all ten administrative regions. Joint Services patrols remain active and are maintaining a strong presence to prevent further criminal acts.
Over the past 24 hours, 100 individuals have been arrested for various offences, including robbery under arms. Authorities also seized 37 motorcycles which, according to investigations, were used in the commission of crimes. Charges will be laid against those currently in custody. The GPF has issued wanted bulletins for multiple individuals believed to be involved in the disturbances.
The GPF also confirmed that Robin Simon and Azriel Asby, who were subjects of wanted bulletins, are now in police custody.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has declared that the country is returning to normalcy, with normal business operations expected to resume across the country from tomorrow. Minister of Home Affairs, Hon Robeson Benn, stated that the Joint Services — including the GPF, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and other security agencies — remain actively engaged in operations to ensure the continued safety and security of citizens.
As part of these ongoing operations, several individuals have been arrested, and reports are currently being compiled to guide further action. Authorities reiterated that any future incidents involving roadblocks or other criminal activity will be addressed promptly and decisively.

Largely stable
The Ministry also confirmed that the country remains largely stable, with only one isolated incident reported along the Mabura Trail to Linden. Security forces are currently addressing that incident, which is not expected to impact the overall return to normalcy.
Minister Benn advised the public that, while there has been no official change to the existing Public Safety Order 2025, citizens are strongly encouraged to remain at home and in secure locations between 22:00h and 05:00h. This advisory is part of a broader strategy to support ongoing security operations and to allow for rapid response to any emerging threats.
“These precautions are necessary to maintain public safety and ensure a peaceful environment as we move toward full normalcy,” Minister Benn stated.
The Ministry extended gratitude to the public for their patience, vigilance, and cooperation throughout the recent period of unrest. Officials reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the welfare of all citizens and urged residents to stay informed through official channels and to exercise caution during this transitional phase.
On Monday evening, President Dr Irfaan Ali called for an end to the political hijacking of the protests, warning that individuals involved in such activities would face prosecution. The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces reiterated that the full force of the law would be applied to anyone caught in the act.
Following this announcement, the GPF revealed that at least two suspects identified in the multitude of wanted bulletins issued for causing public terror had been arrested. The Force had previously warned that anyone found inciting unrest would be blacklisted at ports of entry and have their information shared with international agencies.
To support law enforcement efforts, the army was deployed on Monday night. The Government also implemented a curfew from 12:30 AM to 5:00 AM, and Minister Benn has since indicated that a shift to a 10:00 PM start time is under consideration.
As a result of Monday night’s violence, several flights at Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) were disrupted. Two American Airlines flights were rerouted to Trinidad and Tobago, and other flights experienced delays. However, by Tuesday, operations at the airport resumed as normal.
The violence also led to the closure of commercial districts in Georgetown and other areas, with business owners expressing concern about operating under the prevailing conditions.
Meanwhile, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) reminded the public that inciting hatred, hostility, or discrimination is a violation of the laws of Guyana. The Commission urged residents to remain informed and announced that it will continue its “Know the Laws” campaign, which will highlight provisions within the Racial Hostility, Prevention of Discrimination, Cyber Crime, and other relevant Acts enshrined in national legislation.