GEORGETOWN, Guyana – ‘Guardian of Democracy’ leader Bryan Max was beaten and bloodied today as he waited for his order from a local fish shop. The incident is seen as yet another attack against an outspoken critic of the government of Guyana. Critics such as Ronald Waddell, Courtney Crum-Ewing, Mark Benschop, Sherod Duncan, and many others have been either arrested, imprisoned, or murdered by those allegedly acting on behalf of the PPP government of Guyana. Today’s attack, some say, is a stark reminder of the growing authoritarian and anti-democratic society that is Guyana.
Max, a well-known critic of the government, stated that he was approached by three men with baseball bats while he was waiting in line. The men dealt him several blows on his body and face before they made their escape. Max, in a Facebook post, appeared bloodied but apparently unbowed as he stated with confidence that he would find out who was behind the attacks. Max reported that his interaction with the police department, to which he reported the crime, was useless and he has no confidence that any help or resolution will come from the police.
The attack on Max has been met with widespread and unanimous condemnation and citizens on social media allege that they are tired of the Government’s extrajudicial activity targeted at citizens of Guyana who identified as their critics. The consensus seems to be that citizens want a full investigation into the incident and to hold those responsible accountable. “We cannot call ourselves a progressive democracy, an oil producing and advanced economy and yet engage in 3rd world attacks on government critics. Why would investors want to invest in such a hell hole?”, stated a citizen who did not wish to be identified.
The irony of the attack on Max is not lost on his supporters. Max considers himself a fighter for democracy in Guyana, who was quite safe when he fought on behalf of the PPP government but now finds himself a victim of authoritarian violence when he dares criticize the PPP government of Guyana.
“This is a slap in the face for everything that Bryan has fought for,” said one of Max’s supporters. “It shows that the government is not interested in democracy. They are only interested in power.” The attack on Max is a reminder of the dangers of living in an authoritarian society. It is also a reminder of the importance of fighting for democracy, even in the face of violence.
