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Unrest in Linden, political opportunism, and the need for police reforms and national vigilance

Apr 11, 2025 Letters

Dear Editor,

The recent killing of a young, apparently unarmed man in Linden by someone alleged to be a police officer, followed by the tragic death of a protester during public unrest, has shaken the conscience of our nation. These are not isolated incidents; they reflect systemic failures that must be urgently addressed.

We stand with the grieving families and the Linden community in their demand for justice. The Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) fully supports the independent investigation now underway, aided by the Regional Security Services. There must be no delay, no cover-up, and no compromise on the truth. Justice must be done and seen to be done.

Yet, in our call for justice, we must also call out those who would sow chaos under the guise of leadership.

What unfolded in Linden was not simply a protest; it was provocation. Instead of easing tensions and guiding citizens toward calm and solutions, national executives of the PNCR who hold political control over local governance in Linden descended into the town not to console but to incite, race-bait, and stoke the dangerous politics of division.

Among the most reckless actors was Regional Vice Chairman Mark Goring, whose visible leadership of the protests quickly gave way to agitation and outright incitement. While the Regional Democratic Council issued a very responsible and commendable statement when the protests began, Mr. Goring’s actions on the ground contributed directly to the escalation that led to the destruction of public and private property and infrastructure, exacerbated by the poisonous narratives of the party’s executives among the angry people. This is not leadership; it is an abuse of public office and trust, a betrayal of the community he was elected to serve and where the executives have political locus standi.

When the President of Guyana came to meet with grieving families, Mayor Sharma Solomon took it a step further, attempting to disrupt the meeting, antagonize and manipulate the families, and livestream his obnoxious political posturing. Overheard in his Facebook live stream were instructions to reject the President’s outreach and criticism of his own party colleagues who were open to the government’s interventions, including the call for an independent inquiry. The mayor went as far as challenging the President directly about the sincerity of his presence in a most disrespectful manner and calling out a State media manager of the very community, in tones and narratives that could potentially create public endangerment for the woman.

What we witnessed from these opposition leaders was not solidarity with the people; it was desperation for relevance, political fuel at any cost, and a blatant attempt to resurrect a revolutionary profile on the part of Solomon, on the backs of grief-stricken citizens. It was a dangerous, cynical ploy to drag Linden and Guyana backwards.

Let us be clear: The opposition has once again demonstrated a willingness to exploit tragedy and incite instability ahead of the 2025 elections. This is a page from an old playbook, one that has repeatedly undermined Guyana’s progress and the credibility of the PNCR.

Concerning the security situation that unfolded during the protest, the Liberty and Justice Party calls for urgent reforms of the Guyana Police Force, with specific emphasis on professional conduct during protest management. Legally mandated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) must be reviewed, reformed, and rigorously enforced. The role of the police is to uphold law and order while protecting civil liberties, not to escalate tensions or act outside their mandate. There must be accountability on all sides.

To the people of Linden and all Guyanese: remain vigilant. Reject the politics of provocation and division. We have come a long way as a nation.

Do not let our collective grief be manipulated for votes; do not let selfish politicians undermine our unity for narrow, counterproductive outcomes!

As the 2025 elections approach, do not let so-called leaders lead you to chaos. Choose leaders who build, not those who burn bridges, incite civil unrest, and violence in pursuit of power.

Choose liberty. Choose justice. Choose peace. Choose Guyana!

Sincerely,

Lenox R. O. Shuman,

Leader –Liberty and Justice Party

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