President Granger condemns violent attacks on Bush Lot residents

DPI, Guyana, Saturday, March 21, 2020

His Excellency, President David Granger has condemned acts of civil violence which were committed in the Mahaica-Berbice Region. The incident which occurred on Friday resulted in the destruction of private property and attacks on innocent citizens in Bush Lot Village.

“I condemn these hateful acts of hostility aimed at terrorising innocent citizens and instigating discord,” the President said in a statement today.

The Head of State called for good sense to prevail and urged residents to desist from communal violence, and for the perpetrators to “cease these criminal acts immediately.”

He called on the law enforcement agencies to act swiftly to ensure the safety of citizens and to bring offenders to justice.

“The Guyana Police Force must ensure that law and order prevail in the interest of the protection of citizens and the state.”

These recent acts of violence on innocent civilians and their property follow attacks on schoolchildren and law enforcement officers during protests by supporters of the opposition People’s Progressive Party on March 5 in the same region.

Reports of lawlessness at Black Bush Polder, Tain, and Canje in Region Six and Lusignan have also surfaced in the media.

The President again extended his compassion to the children and police officers who were injured in the March 5 attacks and to the family at Bush Lot Village whose property was destroyed by fire.

“I extend my sympathy to the children and police officers who have been injured and to the family which lost its property in the apparent arson at Bush Lot Village… I condemn the violence and criminal acts that have occurred since 2nd March 2020.”

President Granger called on Guyanese to respect the rule of law and to be patient as the country awaited the ruling of the Supreme Court and the finalization of the electoral process by the Guyana Elections Commission.