No permission granted for protest in Moruca says Police

DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, July 7, 2020

The Guyana Police Force has stated that “No permission was granted for protest” in Moruca in Region One.

This is contrary to what was reported in the media concerning a protest held in the Region One community on Tuesday morning, questioning the existence of COVID-19.

It was reported that on Tuesday, more than 20 residents gathered in front of the Regional Administrative building. The report also stated that the group claimed to have been granted permission from “a senior official who is stationed at Mabaruma,” to gather in the area.

However, in a press statement, issued today the Guyana Police Force rejected this claim.

“The Commander, Senior Superintendent Wendell Blannum spoke directly to one of the alleged organisers and informed her that no such permission could be granted in light of the COVID -19 restrictions that are currently in force. Despite permission not being granted, the said organiser along with a group of persons assembled at Moruca at approximately 09:00 hours bearing placards with a view of protesting,” the GPF statement detailed.

The statement further noted that ranks on the ground informed the protesters that permission was not granted to hold the protest action, which meant they were breaching the COVID-19 guidelines still in effect.

The GPF reported that the crowd dispersed shortly after requesting a meeting with the Toshao of the community.