Opposition condemns destruction of properties on Linden/Soesdyke and Gov’t misuse of Police Force

The Opposition, the A Partnership of National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), has condemned the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government’s “use of the Guyana Police Force against its opponents and to enforce the wishes of the wealthy at the expense of people in poverty.”

The demolition of ordinary citizens’ homes at Hillfoot on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway last week, the Opposition said, is another manifestation that the PPP/C government does not care for the people of Guyana.

The demolition of properties has left many homeless, among them 43 children, a sick woman, and looking around in hopelessness, anguish, pains etched on their faces. A woman recounted the story of children being forced to dwell in the grass because they had nowhere else to go.

In responding to persons protesting the destruction of their properties, Commander Mahendra Singh, who was on the ground was heard, referring to his fellow citizens as “thugs.” According to him, “Most of them are nothing but thugs…if and when I give instructions to go into action, don’t ask me why.” The Police were seen beating the citizens with batons.

Watch the commander’s speak here:-

The APNU+AFC expressed what is more saddening is that the regime is prepared to arm the Force and use force against the people of Guyana rather than address the real challenges that face the mass of people.

The destruction of people’s properties by the regime and its friends, families and favourites is unacceptable and must be condemned by all, said the Opposition.  “Even worse is the use of the Guyana Police Force to intimidate and shoot innocent civilians. It is the courts’ responsibility to enforce court orders and not the Guyana Police Force. The Guyana Police Force’s role is to maintain law and order and not to turn up as a show of force and initiate disorder.”

The coalition is calling on the government to end the politicisation of the Force and its use to enforce the will of the PPP elite, families, friends and favourites.