The Alliance For Change has noted the harried attempts of the government to
turn the situation at Linden into a ‘blame-game’, the latest attempt being
contained in an article in today’s edition of the Guyana Times. It is most
unworthy of the government to engage in these theatrics in such a dire situation
as the national finds itself in.
As we have said before, Linden must be the top priority the Government must re-
engage the representatives at the negotiating table with all urgency and in good
faith.
Blaming the AFC for the Linden situation is utterly ridiculous and the vilest of
politics. The citizens of this country are well aware that it is the Government who
attempted to unilaterally impose a tariff hike on electricity rates at Linden. It is
the Government controlled Police Force that opened fire on the protesters at
Linden that resulted in three persons being murdered and many others injured.
The government has frustrated every effort to have the situation at Linden
peacefully resolved including using the joint services in the most recent attacks on
people asleep in their homes in the wee hours of the morning.
Instead of attempting to malign the AFC, the Donald Ramotar led administration
should explain why after almost a month since the outbreak of security force led
violence, his administration has failed to visit the community of Linden. They went
up to Kwakwani but refused to visit Linden. It is clear that they have no intention
of listening to the people on Linden or addressing the many problems affecting
that community including the highest unemployment rate in the country.
The AFC has been at the forefront of unearthing and highlighting government
corruption and ineptitude and will continue to do so. The government is fully
aware of this and would want to keep the AFC otherwise engaged. Using Linden
as a pawn in this manner is disrespectful to the real and pressing concerns of
Lindeners. The AFC is disciplined, committed and resolved to stamping out
corruption and ensuring justice and fair play.
In all of this, the AFC position is that the primary concern must be getting the
community of Linden back to some form of normalcy but at the same time
ensuring that justice is not sacrificed. Our desire is for the people of Linden to live
normal and peaceful lives, with justice and fairness and without the burdens of
unconscionable electricity rates, a stagnated economy, deprivation of information
inflicted by the government’s refusal to grant operating licences to private TV
stations wanting to expand into Linden, and now turning Linden into a ‘war-zone’
with the presence of heavily armed combat troops patrolling the community.
The AFC has and will always condemn the destruction of property. The burning of
the primary school is unacceptable and has no part in a peaceful demonstration.
This was a criminal activity and we condemn it as such. This act of arson must be
fully investigated. We are glad that the law abiding citizens of Linden have turned
over the suspects to the police. This shows the responsible behaviour of the
people of Linden.
The AFC will staunchly defend the legitimate, fundamental and constitutional
right of any person or group to protest against injustices and oppression and will
with the same fervour condemn all criminal activities.
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