The opposition coalition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) on Saturday sustained its condemnation of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) over the December 6 shooting of a group of protesters with rubber bullets.
About 50 persons carried out what organiser Lurlene Nestor termed a “surprise” picketing demonstration outside the Eve Leary-based office of Police Commissioner, Henry Greene.
Members of the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) eventually threw up police barriers, preventing vehicular traffic on Young Street between Duke and Camp Streets.
When police pointed to risks involved being near TSU, the protesters eventually shifted eastwards just off Young and Camp Streets. They, however, refused to go beyond the barricades, arguing that they had been there before they were erected.
Among the slogans on the placards were “Greene and Rohee Must Go,” “Henry Greene Bullets, Pellets- We not giving up,” “Commissioner why promote police brutality,” and “Why did Greene give shooting orders.”
APNU Chairman, David Granger Friday night told an after-march meeting at the Stabroek Market Square that his party was issuing a December 15 ultimatum for government to order an independent inquiry into the clash with protesters. If, he said, authorities fail to conduct the probe, APNU would conduct its own investigation.
The Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee has already said that preliminary findings of a ministerial inquiry have revealed that the commander of the detachment of riot squad police opened fire without approval from the Police Commissioner or Divisional Commander. For its part, the Guyana Police Force has deemed the shooting “most unfortunate” and noted that persons were not seriously injured.
The December 6 shooting of the protesters occurred after they defied police and began marching down Brickdam into Winter Place and into Hadfield Street near Louisa Row when they were shot. At least 12 persons including former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Retired Brigadier Edward Collins, were injured. He and 11 others have been charged with illegal procession and holding a meeting in a public place without permission. Those who appeared in a Georgetown court are on self-bail and told to return to court on February 13.
