Last Updated on Wednesday, 9 April 2025, 21:55 by Writer
The Caribbean’s Regional Security System (RSS) has been called in to investigate the police shooting death of a wanted man in Linden on Monday and a protester on Tuesday, authorities said.
The so far unidentified protester was part of a group of persons who was shot at by police to disperse them. “Additionally, as the police engaged to protesters, they were greeted with missiles. The rounds discharged at the protesters caused the demise of a protester,” the Guyana Police Force added.
An unspecified number of ranks was placed under close arrest and the Police Force said its Office of Professional Responsibility has commenced investigations.
The Police Force also said RSS members “will lead an independent investigation.”
The civilian law enforcement agency also alleged that the protesters burnt tyres and destroyed government infrastructure including police vehicles. There were no immediate reports of arrest in connection with any of those incidents.
President Irfaan Ali also said Tuesday that the RSS would assist local police in their probe into the shooting death of 26-year-old Ronaldo Peters at about 5:30 Monday afternoon. Police said he was wanted for the rape of a child under 16 years old. “I’ve told the Commissioner that if there is need for external help to ensure the independence of the investigation that the RSS must be engaged and he is in the process of engaging the RSS,” he said.
Dr Ali said he has also asked the police to carry out a “full and proper investigation”. He said if there is wrongdoing, it would be dealt with.
According to police, the sergeant’s fatal shooting of Peters appeared to have been accidental. “It is further alleged by the Sergeant that he managed to pull off Ronaldo Peters from the fence and in the process of subduing him, his service pistol, which was his right hand, went off and Peters was hit,” the police force said. That sergeant has since been placed under close arrest at the Tactical Services Unit (TSU).
As the protest escalated to include the blocking of the Mackenzie-Wismar bridge, considered the gateway to a number of interior locations, the Home Affairs Ministry appealed for calm. “I am calling on citizens not to allow this unfortunate event to degenerate into lawlessness, or chaos. We must not lose sight of our responsibility to each other and our communities. Let us allow the due process of law to take its course, and refrain from actions which poses serious risks to public safety,” Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn was quoted in the statement.
The Home Affairs Ministry called on community leaders, civil society representatives, and all residents of Linden to work together in maintaining peace and order, as the investigation proceeds. The Ministry said while government acknowledged the right of citizens to express their grief and demand accountability, “we appeal for this to be done in a lawful and constructive manner. The blocking of roads, lighting of tires, and other acts of disorder only serve to endanger lives and further escalate tensions in the community.” The Ministry says it remains committed to transparency, justice, and the rule of law.In 2012, four persons were shot dead during a protest on the Mackenzie-Linden bridge against a planned steep increase in electricity tariffs. Government later aborted that plan to remove state subsidy for electricity that had been initially supported by the then David Granger-led APNU.
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