On Tuesday December 7, 2011, a peaceful march that included attorney-at-law James Bond and former Guyana Defence Force Chief of Staff, Edward “Eddie” Collins, turned into a scene of chaos and violence as police unleashed rubber bullets on unarmed protestors. The incident exposed the heavy-handed tactics employed under the influence of the People’s Progressive Party government, during the controversial transition from Bharrat Jagdeo’s presidency to Donald Ramotar’s administration—a period many argue was marked by Jagdeo’s lingering shadow of control.
Bond, Collins, and seven other protestors were shot while retreating after the police demanded they disperse. Despite their compliance and efforts to leave the area, the police used excessive force, firing a barrage of rubber bullets that injured multiple individuals.
Collins, speaking to Stabroek News shortly after the attack, recounted the shocking events. “The procession was going west along Brickdam. We turned south into Winter Place and then west into Hadfield Street, where the police confronted us. With little notice, they began firing,” he said. Collins sustained several injuries and was treated by Dr. Dalgleish Joseph.
James Bond, who suffered 33 pellet wounds across his back, neck, and hands, expressed outrage at the authorities’ actions. He revealed that prior to the march, he and other organisers had met with then Divisional Commander George Vyphuis. “We wrote to him on Sunday. Someone from his office called, saying we didn’t have permission because we held a church service and were planning a seven-day march. During our meeting, Vyphuis advised us on the procedures—it was very cordial,” Bond explained.
However, despite their peaceful intentions and prior communication, the protestors were met with state-sanctioned violence. Bond vehemently rejected claims that the march was illegal. “It is absolute rubbish to consider what we did illegal. Even if we didn’t have permission, we have the right to walk two by two, arm in arm. People must realise we are not cowards. We are prepared to walk with blood, sweat, and tears to ensure GECOM fulfills its responsibilities,” he asserted.
The aftermath of the incident saw Bond being detained. Upon his release, he denounced the violent crackdown. “The oppressor has realised we did nothing wrong. Whoever gave the order to shoot should be hauled before a judge and jury. This is barbarism; you don’t just shoot people like that,” he said.
Critics argue that this incident was emblematic of the PPP government’s disregard for civil liberties, particularly under Bharrat Jagdeo’s administration. Despite transitioning to Donald Ramotar’s presidency, the oppressive tactics and authoritarian undertones that characterized Jagdeo’s reign persisted. Protestors’ rights were trampled, dissent was met with brutality, and a culture of fear and repression was allowed to thrive.
For many, the violent suppression of Bond, Collins, and others underscored the deep-rooted issues within the PPP’s governance—a government accused of perpetuating injustice, stifling democracy, and employing force to silence its critics.
