Latest update January 19th, 2025 12:01 AM
Rohee should be sent on leave to facilitate Linden unrest probe – Solomon, Roopnaraine
As steps are being put in place to organize the recently agreed upon Commission of Inquiry to probe the month-long unrest that gripped the mining town of Linden, Chairman of Region 10, Sharma Solomon and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)’s Rupert Roopnarine have both expressed concerns about Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee holding his office while the investigation is ongoing.
Apart from mentioning the no confidence vote that was recently passed against the Home Affairs Minister
Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee
in Parliament following the shooting death of three Linden residents, Solomon and Roopnaraine pointed out that police officers may be serving as witnesses and will have to give evidence during the investigation. They said it would be fitting for the Home Affairs Minister to be absent during such time.
Speaking to Kaieteur News yesterday, the Region 10 Chairman and the APNU parliamentarian mentioned that it would be necessary for certain senior police officers to be sent on leave while the Commission is conducting its business. This, they opined, would be absolutely essential for an independent probe into the matter.
Roopnarine further stated that weaknesses exist in the situation, where security for police witnesses may be challenging. He was referring to the fact that potential police witnesses may not want to give evidence in the matter for fear of being victimised.
The APNU MP said that the witness protection system in the country is very poor; whether it is protection from physical harm or protection for social security. In this regard, Roopnarine made mention about police ranks losing their jobs or being victimised at their workplace for giving evidence in the Linden matter.
Solomon alluded to senior police officers going on leave.
“It would be part of the Commission of Inquiry’s job to find out who gave the orders to fire live rounds at the Linden protesters on the Mackenzie Bridge, therefore we cannot have those senior officials seated in their current positions while investigations into their actions are being conducted,” the Region 10 Chairman stated.
On another matter, both Sharma and Roopnaraine commented on those selected to sit on the Commission of Inquiry. Roopnaraine declared that they were chosen based on their judicial experience and the relevant stakeholders were in agreement with those picked.
Solomon, on the other hand, said he would be rejecting any signs of impartiality when it comes to the investigation. The Chairman was responding when questioned about a letter recently sent to this publication by an overseas-based Guyanese, questioning the selection of one individual as part of the Commission.
Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon
The letter writer had made claims of the person having indirect affiliation with the current administration. Solomon indicated his acknowledgment of the letter and stated his intention to remain vigilant during the probe.
Solomon said his community will continue to call for the Commission of Inquiry to be stationed at Linden. Roopnaraine, however, said that the decision of where the Commission’s members will be seated will be left up to the members themselves. The APNU official said the Commission’s members will have to be in direct contact with stakeholders, and as such, the members shall sit where necessary.
On Tuesday last, the Region 10 Chairman, APNU representative Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Alliance for Change Khemraj Ramjattan, signed documents in agreement of the Terms of Reference (TOR) which would pave the way for the start of the Commission of Inquiry.
The men had met at the Office of the President and had penned their consensus to have the Commission assembled. The need for a Commission of Inquiry came about as a result of the occurrences in the Region 10 community during the month-long unrest. Lindeners were protesting a soon-to-be implemented hike in electricity tariffs.
Members of the community had planned a five-day shutdown of the mining town with protest action. Five days turned into a month after three men were shot dead and more than a dozen persons were injured.
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