Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed has called on the people of Region 10 to stage a mass peaceful protest in Linden today, declaring that Guyanese can no longer remain silent in the face of what he described as the PPP/C Government’s abuse of power, disregard for democracy and failure to account for a series of national controversies.In a public address on Sunday, Mohamed urged residents to assemble at 9:00 a.m. outside Watooka House, where Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo is expected to be, saying the demonstration would send a clear message that “enough is enough!“
“The time has come,” Mohamed declared. “I am calling on every resident of Region 10 to join me in a peaceful protest.”
He urged Guyanese to greet government officials with peaceful demonstrations wherever they travel, saying public pressure would continue until the administration is held accountable.
“Wherever Mr. Jagdeo and his government go, they must be met by the voices of the people,” Mohamed said, adding that the opposition would continue its “peaceful and lawful resistance.”
The planned demonstration comes amid a wave of nationwide protests following the MV Barima disaster, which claimed dozens of lives and ignited widespread criticism of the Government’s response. Demonstrations have spread from Georgetown to the West Coast of Demerara, the Essequibo Coast and other communities, with protesters demanding justice for the victims, the immediate salvage of the vessel, a transparent investigation, and the removal of Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and Maritime Administration Director Deodat Indar. Public demonstrations also intensified after three Transport and Harbours Department workers were charged in connection with the tragedy. Following days of protests and mounting public pressure, the men were released from custody pending further court proceedings.
‘Region 10 Has Been Left Behind’
Mohamed argued that Region 10 has become a symbol of unequal treatment under the current administration, despite its significant contribution to the national economy through bauxite, gold, timber, sand and stone production, as well as its role as a major transportation corridor.
“It is time for Region 10 to be treated fairly. It is time for Region 10 to be respected,” he said.
He also pointed to the continued absence of an elected Regional Chairman and Vice Chairman nearly a year after the General and Regional Elections, accusing the Government of frustrating the democratic process.According to Mohamed, Region 10 remains the only administrative region without a duly elected political leadership because the government-appointed Regional Executive Officer has failed to convene the statutory meeting required to elect the Regional Democratic Council’s leadership.
“That is not democracy. It is a blatant disregard for the will of the people,” he said.
Renews Calls for Accountability
Mohamed renewed allegations of corruption against the Government, saying Guyanese continue to demand answers regarding the conduct and wealth of senior public officials, including President Irfaan Ali and several Cabinet ministers.He also revisited questions surrounding President Ali’s farm, contending that the administration has failed to provide satisfactory explanations despite repeated public scrutiny.
“The people deserve answers. They deserve accountability. They deserve leaders who are prepared to explain and defend their decisions,” Mohamed said.
He further criticised Vice President Jagdeo for discontinuing his once-weekly press conferences while major national controversies continue to unfold, suggesting the Vice President is avoiding public scrutiny and difficult questions about what Mohamed described as the Government’s corruption, incompetence and handling of the country’s most pressing issues.The Opposition Leader also accused the Government of failing Region 10 residents affected by severe flooding in Kwakwani and communities along the Demerara River, arguing that they have been abandoned despite the region’s substantial contribution to Guyana’s economy.
‘Respect Democracy’
Closing his address, Mohamed urged residents to bring their families, friends and neighbours to the demonstration, describing it as an opportunity for Region 10 to stand together in defence of democracy.
“Respect the people. Respect our vote. Respect democracy.”
Appealing directly to Lindeners, he invoked the town’s long history of political activism.
“Lindeners, your fighting spirit has been demonstrated time and time again. You have never accepted injustice in silence. Let this time be no different.”
Tuesday’s protest is expected to be another test of the opposition’s growing grassroots movement, which has gathered momentum in recent weeks amid mounting public discontent over governance, accountability and the Government’s handling of the MV Barima disaster
