A Joint Opposition protest in Linden ended Tuesday night with Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed declaring a political victory after Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and members of his delegation left Watooka House under the cover of darkness without addressing hundreds of demonstrators who had maintained a peaceful protest outside the compound for more than 10 hours.
As Jagdeo and his team hurriedly exited the compound shortly after 7:10 p.m., the crowd erupted in cheers and chants of triumph. Others lingered outside discussing the day’s events and vowing to continue nationwide demonstrations until their demands are met.
Addressing supporters moments after Jagdeo’s departure, Mohamed ridiculed the Vice President’s exit.
“Jagdeo get away like a kitchen cat,” Mohamed declared to loud applause.
“Jagdeo escaped like a rat. He is a coward. Weak,” Mohamed said, as he intensified his criticism of the Vice President’s refusal to meet with the people.
He said Jagdeo had chosen to avoid meeting the demonstrators despite their waiting throughout the day for an audience.
“Jagdeo is ashamed. He sneaked away at night without addressing the people. A victory for us today,” Mohamed said.
According to the Opposition Leader, Jagdeo believed the protesters would eventually become discouraged and leave.
“He thought he would have waited us out, but he didn’t reckon for me,” Mohamed told the crowd.
Mohamed went on to describe the Vice President as “a coward” who was “hiding from the people.”
The day-long demonstration, one of the largest and longest public protests seen in recent years, brought activity around Watooka House to a standstill as joint opposition supporters converged on the compound from early morning. While the protest highlighted a range of national issues, the MV Barima tragedy remained at its core.
The sinking of the State-owned passenger and cargo vessel on July 18 claimed scores of lives and devastated families, particularly in Region One. The tragedy has triggered days of nationwide demonstrations demanding that the vessel be raised, a transparent investigation conducted, those responsible held accountable and grieving families given justice.
As the protest gathered momentum throughout the day, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Guyana Coast Guard were summoned to provide security at the compound while Jagdeo and members of the Government’s delegation remained inside the building without engaging the waiting demonstrators.
When government officials eventually emerged after dark, some protesters said members of the delegation hurried to their vehicles before Jagdeo later departed the area by helicopter.
Throughout the protest, Mohamed outlined what he said were the issues driving public frustration, including the continued failure to convene the statutory meeting to elect a Regional Chairman and Vice Chairman for Region 10, nearly a year after the General and Regional Elections. The elections were held September 1, 2025.
He also renewed calls for the resignation of Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar, Minister Susan Rodrigues, Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, among others, while alleging widespread corruption within the Government.
“They’re running the country like a cake shop,” Mohamed said.
While reviewing the area after government officials had departed, Mohamed displayed what he said were notes left behind by Minister Zulfikar Mustapha. He instructed that the documents be handed over to security personnel at Watooka House, with the handover taking place in full view of television cameras and supporters gathered outside the compound.
The Opposition Leader said Tuesday’s protest marked the beginning—not the end—of a sustained campaign of peaceful demonstrations.
“Wherever the PPP goes, it will be met with protest,” Mohamed declared.
He announced that the Opposition’s next demonstration is scheduled for Thursday, when the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government is expected to visit Melanie, East Coast Demerara.
Several protesters said Jagdeo’s refusal to emerge reinforced their determination to continue taking to the streets across Guyana. Others remarked that the Vice President had “run like Usain Bolt,” comparing his hurried departure to the legendary Jamaican sprinter.
Many demonstrators also pointed to the hardships facing Linden residents, noting that sections of the town had recently endured days without electricity and water while senior government officials were meeting there.
By the end of the night, the crowd had begun to disperse, but the message remained unmistakable. Protesters vowed that the demonstration would not end in Linden. They pledged to take their campaign across Guyana, maintaining peaceful pressure on the Government until there is accountability for the MV Barima tragedy, the election of Region 10’s political leadership, and meaningful action on the concerns raised throughout the day. “This is only the beginning,” several supporters declared.
