Latest update January 1st, 2025 1:00 AM
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Widespread destruction tarnishes Diwali celebrations
Alleged invaders lighting a squib in front of the Mandir
While persons were enjoying the Diwali celebration in keeping with tradition with their family and friends, residents of Alexander Village had no choice but to put up with what they call ‘harassment’ by persons who they say invaded their village and disrupted the celebration of the Hindu holiday.
Residents yesterday told Kaieteur News that for the past ten years, during every Diwali celebration people from places like Nabaclis, Paradise and Den Amstel would invade the community and prevent the residents there from lighting their diyas.
According to the residents, thousands congregated at Cross Street, Alexander Village, in the vicinity of the Vishnu Mandir at approximately 18:30 hrs, where they consumed alcohol and lighted squibs, destroying the properties of some of the residents. Kaieteur News understands that these persons lit the squibs and threw them in the drains, resulting in muddy water being splashed on some of the residents’ houses and even the Mandir.
Window panes were broken at the Mandir, and one resident stood and watched as his fence was broken down by the ‘invaders.’
The residents said that some of these ‘visitors’ then entered the man’s yard, and started to smoke marijuana, while some others were even selling alcoholic beverages in front of the Mandir.
The villagers said that since this is a regular act by the intruders over the past ten years, they decided to visit the Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, seeking police protection, to prevent what occurred on Diwali night. However, according to the residents, Minister Rohee spoke to them in a very ill mannered way as he told them that he has ‘things in place.’
The residents also noted that they are dissatisfied with the response they received from the Guyana Police Force, who only turned up at the scene shortly before midnight, when the persons had already left the village.
The police then put up road blocks at First and Fifth Streets, Alexander Village, where they prevented persons living in the area from going home.
Residents noted that they have now reached the stage where they are frustrated and don’t know where else to turn to for assistance in order to curb this ongoing problem.
They said that this year was the worst year ever when it comes to the disruption of the holiday. Residents said that last year they received help from the administration, who placed police patrols in the area, and prevented persons from disrupting the celebrations.
Even before the holiday came, the villagers said that they wrote a letter outlining their concerns and sent it to the Commissioner of Police, Henry Greene, President Bharrat Jagdeo, and Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee. The residents are now calling on President Jagdeo to personally look into their situation, as according to them it is becoming unbearable.
A police press release has since stated that there was a crowd of approximately 3,000 persons on the roadways in Alexander Village, who were there to witness the event, which included the lighting up of the Mandir and other buildings.
The release stated that the ranks observed that a number of squibs were being set off and as such managed to arrest 19 persons and seize a quantity of the squibs.
According to the police, the arrested persons were later placed on cash bail to return, while charges will be made shortly.
The police also received and responded to a report that during this period Renita Richardson of Hunter Street, Albouystown, had collapsed as a result of one of the squibs being thrown at her.
She was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation by the police where she received medical treatment and was sent away.
The police also noted that the flashing light unit of the Police Force vehicle PGG 6210, which was being used to patrol the area, was damaged by a squib that was hurled at the vehicle.
The release stated that, “an official of the Mandir reported to the police that the noise from the squibs was affecting the conduct of the function. However, the police ranks made every effort to stop the use of squibs by members of the public in the area at the time.”
The Guyana Police Force is advising the general public that the possession and use of squibs is a breach of the law and action will be taken against persons found in default.
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