The right to protest must not become a licence for disorder or hooliganism 

Dear Editor,
The recent protests surrounding the tragic MV Barima incident have once again raised an important question: where do we draw the line between peaceful protest and disruptive, disorderly conduct?
Every citizen has a constitutional right to express their views and to protest peacefully.
However, when protests are deliberately staged to disrupt the President’s public outreaches, intimidate attendees, obstruct the work of Government, or create public disorder, they cease to be peaceful demonstrations, and instead become acts of hooliganism. Such behaviour serves no constructive purpose and only deepens divisions within our society.
The loss of lives in the MV Barima tragedy is heart-breaking, and every Guyanese deserves to know exactly what happened. That is why the Government established a Commission of Inquiry (COI), comprising experienced international professionals, to independently examine the facts and make recommendations.
The commission should be allowed to conduct its work without political interference, pressure, or attempts to influence public opinion before the evidence has been heard.
Unfortunately, some Opposition figures appear more interested in politicising this national tragedy than allowing the investigative process to unfold. Rather than encouraging patience and respect for due process, they continue to make allegations, stage confrontational protests, and, in some cases, mislead the public into believing conclusions have already been reached.
This approach does little to comfort grieving families or uncover the truth.
No matter who is appointed to serve on the CoI, there will always be those determined to question its legitimacy if the findings do not suit their political narrative. Justice cannot be achieved through slogans, disruptions, or political theatre. It is achieved through evidence, impartiality, and adherence to the rule of law.
The President’s outreaches are intended to bring the Government closer to its people, allowing citizens to voice concerns, access services, and engage directly with their elected representatives. These events should not become stages for orchestrated political disruptions that deprive ordinary Guyanese of that opportunity.
As a nation, we should reject attempts to exploit tragedy for political gain. Let the Commission of Inquiry complete its work, allow the facts to emerge, and respect whatever conclusions are reached based on the evidence. Guyana deserves truth, accountability and unity, not misinformation, disorder, and political opportunism.

Yours faithfully,
Quincy Anderson