A Dark Time for Democracy; The Guyana Government’s Targeting of the Family of Social Media Activists Melissa Atwell Must End

In what some have described as a blatant and cruel attempt to silence dissent, the Government of Guyana, through its agents in the Guyana Police Force, has reportedly resorted to harassing and intimidating the family of outspoken social media activist Melissa “Melly Mel” Atwell, who has long been a thorn in the side of the administration by exposing corruption, money laundering, and government abuses. The latest incident could be seen as a despicable assault on the very principles of democracy the government claims to uphold.

According to Atwell, her 87-year-old grandmother, who suffers from dementia, and her mother have now become targets of the government’s harassment campaign. She reported that a van load of police officers recently stormed their home, baselessly accusing them of involvement in drug trafficking, suggesting that drugs were being smuggled into the home through barrels and boxes. It was a clear fabrication, designed solely to intimidate and destroy a family that has committed no crime other than standing up for what is right, she expressed.

Upset commentators are questioning what kind of government goes after the elderly in a cowardly attempt to break someone who refuses to take their hush money? “How low must the administration sink? This is not governance; this is bullying, intimidation, and abuse of power. This is state terrorism, aimed at those who dare to speak up and hold the powerful accountable,” a concerned Guyanese told this publication. What’s even more disgusting, he said, is the brazen ineptitude behind the police raid.

According to Atwell, the authorities allegedly planned to frame her son, but they were unaware that he doesn’t even live at the house. It is the view that agents of oppression barged into a home occupied by two defenseless elderly women. They reportedly didn’t find a criminal operation; they found two vulnerable people who have done nothing to deserve this treatment.

One witness who wished to remain anonymous stated that, “we are heading back into the dark days of Guyana’s political history, where fear and repression were the tools of the day. It is evident that those in power have no heart for the people, especially for those who dare to criticize their misdeeds. The question now is: who will stand up for the people when the government turns its guns on them? Who will speak out when the powerful unleash their venom on the weak? We are on our own out here.”

Atwell has exposed corruption at the highest levels of government in Guyana, that include allegations involving President Irfaan Ali, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, and several other ministers. There is the concern that instead of addressing these claims, the government has chosen to attack the messenger, using fear and intimidation to silence voices of dissent. “This is not the behavior of a democratic government—it is the hallmark of tyranny,” another person told this publication.

The targeting of Atwell’s family is clearly seen an affront to democracy and a shameful reflection on the entire People’s Progressive Party (PPP) administration. It also gives rise to speculation why would any serious investor look to Guyana when the government is mired in such unspeakable evil. The silence of international diplomats only makes an environment of abuse more abusive. The United States State Department is the only body holding this country together at this point, and it is high time the world takes notice of what is happening here.

The people of Guyana will not be repressed indefinitely. As another anonymous stated, “We know our rights, and we will stand up for them. The People’s Progressive Party must understand that if they sow the wind, they will reap the whirlwind. History has shown us time and time again that regimes that oppress their people will ultimately face the consequences of their actions. The PPP must choose whether it wants to be remembered as a government that upheld the rule of law or one that trampled on it for political gain.”

The people of Guyana are watching these series of repressive acts and it is foolhardy to think the people will forget.

Update

𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢-𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐜𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐬

Today (Tuesday) between 16:10 and 17:00 hrs, a Police team led by a gazetted officer, Assistant Superintendent M.Singh, acting on intelligence received, went to the home of Debbie Atwell, a 56-year-old unemployed woman of Lot 86 BB Eccles, East Bank Demerara, where a search warrant was executed for narcotics.

Police searched the house and yard. However, while searches were conducted in the yard, Police ranks observed a black plastic bag containing a transparent plastic (ziplock) bag, which had a quantity of suspected Cannabis, over the back concrete fence in the alleyway (next to some banana trees).

The suspected Cannabis was thereafter retrieved and taken to the Providence Police Station, where it was weighed and amounted to 27 grams. Additionally, the suspected cannabis is being processed for fingerprints. Investigations are continuing.