Agricola protest clearly pre-orchestrated- Attorney General

Georgetown : Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall speaking on state owned television last night said the Agricola protest was clearly organised and pre-orchestrated by what can only be described as fringe elements of the Alliance For Change (AFC) opposition political party.

The Legal Affairs Minister refuted claims by some that the protests were as a result of statements made by Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon in response to an ultimatum given by Nigel Hughes, AFC Chairman for President Donald Ramotar to replace Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, following a spate of controversial police actions.

Nandlall maintained that the statements made by Dr Luncheon were not made public before the protests began. Additionally the protests actually began since 9 am in front of the magistrate’s court in Georgetown and were sporadic throughout the day and this clearly indicates that the actions were pre-planned long before.

The Attorney General said the actions were intended not just to remove the Home Affairs Minister from his post but, clearly aimed at the ruling administration and the Guyana Police Force. This position is totally unacceptable, he said.

Hundreds of persons were forced to miss their flights which were eventually cancelled and persons being transferred for medical treatment to or from the regional hospitals had to forego their medical treatment.

There were several reported robberies as unscrupulous persons took advantage of the chaos which followed at the Stabroek Market wharves as persons crowded speed boats to get across the Demerara River.

The Attorney General, in closing noted that criminal charges may be brought against those deemed to be responsible for the protest action and resultant damage to public property.