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Police shooting…Brig Collins, Attorney James Bond used bodies to protect women

Dec 08, 2011 News

 

Attorney-at-law James Bond, who is also the Youth Leader for A Partnership for National Unity, and former Army Chief of Staff, Edward Collins, have vowed that they will not be deterred by Tuesday’s shooting which left both men injured.
Yesterday, Collins said that the manner in which he and colleagues were shot at, was inhumane and wrong. Collins, being a military with exemplary training, said that the protest was a peaceful one and at no point did the crowd threaten lives, limbs or property.
He added that even in cases where a crowd appeared to present a threat there were a number of things that could be done before a police or a solider resort to firing shots.
“In a situation where police feel that a crowd is a threat to them they have options to disperse the crowd. These include the use of tear gas, batons and now that they have the water cannon, but shooting must and should always be a last resort.”
Collins further stated that the incident was barbaric since many of the persons including him, were shot at point blank range.
He however noted that at this point it is too early to determine whether he will consider legal action.   The former Chief of staff said that Tuesday’s incident will not deter him. He described his injuries as ‘bruises’ which will quickly fade while the struggle will continue.
Collins was shot at least seven times to his chest while trying to prevent his female colleagues from being shot at.
Similar sentiments were expressed by Bond, who said that he is still reeling from his injuries but that he too will not give up in the struggle for a better Guyana. He said the shots he received are causing some amount of discomfort but he is willing to sacrifice for his fellow people.
Bond also described the act by the police as inhumane. One does not even have to refer to the law when assessing Tuesday’s incident, he added.
“Most of the people who were shot were backing the police and the police started shooting as us at point blank rage. That is inhumane. Mr. Collins and I had no other choice but to turn our backs in order to protect the women.”
He however noted that he is still considering what will be his next move as it relates to taking legal action against the police. He added that he has been in contact with his lawyers both locally and in the United States on the matter.
He insisted that the shooting was barbaric, inhumane and devilish, but vowed that he will not give up. He pointed to the fact that he was out on the road again yesterday with those who protested in front of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
As it relates to the other persons who were shot, Bond said that APNU has been in contact with them and they are all recovering well. Bond was hit at least 33 times with rubber bullets during Tuesday’s march.
Bond, Collins and nine other persons were shot by police ranks on Tuesday morning following a confrontation at Louisa Row and Hadfield Street. The group comprised supporters of APNU who were a part of the march calling on GECOM to release the Statements of Poll for the recent election. GECOM has since indicated its willingness to release the SOP.
However up to press time yesterday Opposition Leader David Granger said he was not in receipt of the Statements of Poll.
Meanwhile the Guyana Police Force in a statement on Tuesday’s incident described the shooting as “most unfortunate and regrettable”.
The force also added that its intention is always to maintain law and order.

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