The situation at Linden must be treated as a national top priority and in this context it is important that every effort be made to block efforts to further destabilise Linden and neighbouring communities. The AFC is therefore, calling for the immediate cessation of all actions that are fuelling the tension at Linden.
The Party welcomes the assurances by the Guyana Defence Force of their commitment to abide by international standards with regards to the Linden situation and is looking forward for similar assurances coming from the Police Force. In this regard the AFC urges the Government to ensure that members of the joint forces operating in the area do so with the highest level of professionalism and with due regard for the civil rights of all citizens, those residing in the area and those traversing through.
The AFC also urges the people of Linden to ensure that their legitimate protest is not hijacked by criminal elements. The Party condemns extortion and other criminal activities and condemns destruction of property and all attacks. The people of Linden must be mindful of and guard against any destruction of property as this would tarnish the credibility of their cause.
The AFC considers it most unfortunate that at a time when significant progress was finally being made to address the legitimate core issues of the community of Linden , that the government would initiate actions that were calculated to inflame fresh tensions.
Given the present circumstances, it is critical that the negotiating parties, namely the Government and Region Ten conclude their negotiations quickly and in good faith and with the clear intention of acting in the best interest of the people of Linden and others who are affected by the situation.
The AFC is deeply concerned that after four weeks there has been no attempt at the highest level of Government to engage Lindeners directly.
Linden is hurting, adjoining regions are affected, the nation is at risk that the situation could be exploited to reintroduce traditional fears, insecurities and hostilities.
Every day that the President fails to visit Linden is a day lost in resolving the situation.
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