All roads lead to Linden today as the Joint Opposition mobilises supporters for what is expected to be one of the largest public demonstrations since the MV Barima tragedy, with Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed declaring that the time has come for Guyanese to stand together and tell the Government, “enough is enough!”
The protest, scheduled for 9:00 a.m. outside Watooka House, where Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo is expected to be, comes as public anger continues to build over the Government’s handling of the MV Barima disaster, allegations of corruption, concerns over democratic governance and what critics describe as the marginalisation of Region 10.
For the Joint Opposition, today’s march is not an isolated event. It is the latest chapter in a growing nationwide movement demanding accountability from the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration.
“The time has come,” Mohamed declared in a public address ahead of today’s demonstration. “I am calling on every resident of Region 10 to join me in a peaceful protest.”
The Opposition Leader urged Guyanese to continue greeting Government officials with peaceful demonstrations wherever they travel, saying sustained public pressure is essential to holding those in authority accountable.
“Wherever Mr. Jagdeo and his government go, they must be met by the voices of the people,” Mohamed said, pledging that the opposition would continue its “peaceful and lawful resistance.”
The protest follows weeks of demonstrations across Georgetown, the West Coast of Demerara, the Essequibo Coast and other communities after the July 18 sinking of the State-owned MV Barima. The disaster claimed dozens of lives, devastated Indigenous communities in Region One and sparked widespread demands for the vessel to be raised, a transparent investigation, justice for the victims and ministerial accountability.
Public demonstrations intensified further after three Transport and Harbours Department workers were charged with murder in connection with the tragedy. Following sustained protests and mounting public pressure, the men were released from custody pending further court proceedings—a development many protesters viewed as evidence that organised, peaceful resistance can influence national decisions.
The Joint Opposition has also taken the fight into Parliament. Last month it launched a coordinated parliamentary offensive over the MV Barima tragedy, filing three major parliamentary measures seeking ministerial accountability, an independent international marine safety investigation and an urgent debate in the National Assembly. Together, the initiatives signal the Opposition’s determination to pursue accountability both on the streets and inside Parliament.
Mohamed said Region 10 has become a symbol of unequal treatment despite its immense contribution to Guyana’s 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 criticised the continued absence of an elected Regional Chairman and Vice Chairman almost a year after the General and Regional Elections, arguing that the failure to convene the statutory meeting to elect the Regional Democratic Council’s leadership amounts to a denial of the people’s democratic will.
“That is not democracy. It is a blatant disregard for the will of the people,” Mohamed declared.
The Opposition Leader renewed calls for transparency over allegations of corruption, questioned the unexplained wealth of senior public officials and criticised the Government’s handling of major national controversies, including severe flooding in Kwakwani and communities along the Demerara River.
“The people deserve answers. They deserve accountability. They deserve leaders who are prepared to explain and defend their decisions,” Mohamed said.
He also criticised Vice President Jagdeo for discontinuing his once-weekly press conferences while major national controversies continue to unfold, suggesting the Government is avoiding difficult questions from the public.
Today’s mobilisation also follows calls by former Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine, who last week urged Guyanese to reject visits by PPP/C officials to grieving communities affected by the MV Barima tragedy.
“When they come to your communities and when they come to meet with grieving families, chase them out,” Narine told supporters. “They had their opportunity to stand with the people. They failed.”
Appealing directly to Lindeners, Mohamed invoked the town’s proud history of resistance and civic activism, urging residents to once again lead by example.
“Respect the people. Respect our vote. Respect democracy.”
“Lindeners, your fighting spirit has been demonstrated time and time again. You have never accepted injustice in silence. Let this time be no different.“
As protesters converge on Linden today, the demonstration is expected to become another measure of the Opposition’s growing grassroots movement and a further test of public resolve to demand justice, accountability and democratic governance through peaceful civic action.
