Jagdeo faces hostile Linden protests

Aug 05, 2026 News

…as residents demand Indar and Edghill must go

(Kaieteur News) – An opposition-led demonstration outside Watooka House breached security barriers, transforming a scheduled government outreach event into a scene of confrontation as protesters demanded the removal of Ministers Juan Edghill and Deodat Indar and called for the election of Chairman and Vice Chairman of Region 10.

VP Bharrat Jagdeo’s Linden outreach met with protest.

Cabinet members, alongside Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, were hosting a cabinet open day designed to engage directly with local residents and address community concerns. However, what began as a structured demonstration outside the historic guest house in Linden quickly heightened into a prolonged standoff between protesters and security personnel that continued for more than six hours.

Opposition supporters, joined momentarily on the picket line by APNU leader Aubrey Norton, gathered outside the gates, chanting slogans and voicing dissatisfaction with central government policies. Demonstrators waved placards demanding the resignations of Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and Minister Deodat Indar, while also insisting that the regional executive officer convene a meeting for the election of a regional chairman and vice chairman. The crowd steadily swelled in size and intensity as demonstrators demanded direct dialogue with Vice President Jagdeo stationed inside the compound. Police officers held a firm line at the main entry point, managing the crowd as outreach activities continued indoors.

The atmosphere shifted dramatically when crowd frustration reached a breaking point after one of the police officers told the protestors that VP would speak with them in 10 minutes. After thirty minutes, protesters surged forward, pushing past the security line and forcibly dismantling the heavy metal barricades. The breached perimeter allowed demonstrators to advance onto the grounds of Watooka House, where they gathered near the main structure and loudly demanded an immediate face-to-face meeting with Vice President Jagdeo.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo’s Linden outreach turned into a platform for residents demanding Ministers Edghill and Indar’s resignation.

Law enforcement personnel reinforced positions around the facility’s primary entrances to prevent access to the inner meeting rooms where public consultations were taking place. After 8 hours when the tensions mounted on the compound, Vice President Jagdeo exited the premises quickly under security escort in his vehicles. Officers worked to stabilise the situation, forming a physical buffer between the vocal crowd and the remaining delegation.

The incident built on previous protests exemplifying calls for the removal of Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill and Minister Deodat Indar after the MV Barima capsized killing over than 50 persons. While government officials maintained that public open days remain crucial for direct civic engagement across all administrative regions, opposition organisers asserted that the six-hour demonstration reflected deep-seated frustration over accountability, local representation, and regional governance. Security forces maintained a heightened presence around Watooka House as the outreach session concluded under tight monitoring.

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Bharrat Jagdeo, Deodat Indar, Juan Edghill, Linden, Protests, Watooka House

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