President, Bacchus’ relatives condemn robbery, destruction of property during protest

President Irfaan Ali has condemned the stealing and destruction of properties on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) during protest action on Tuesday, June 28, 2022.

In a comment, the President called on others to also condemn the actions of those contributing to the unrest. “I call on call decent and right-thinking Guyanese, Associations, Political Parties, Parliamentarians and Civil Society to condemn the barefaced theft and destruction of property by some with the support of known political elements on the East Coast of Demerara,” he noted.

The protest action which started at Golden Grove on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) and made its way to Mon Repos, ECD, stemmed from a social media post alleging that a police rank who is responsible for the death of Haslington resident 23-year-old Quindon Bacchus was released from custody.

The police later clarified that this is not true.

The President in an earlier statement pointed out that a second police officer was also arrested, and the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) is investigating the matter.

Ali said the Government has already made it clear it supports the ongoing independent investigation to bring justice to Mr Quindon Bacchus.

Similarly, he said “we are supporting all actions that are necessary to ensure justice for all those who lost property, were beaten, robbed or were affected by the lawlessness that took place. The images and videos are widely circulated and available.”

Relatives of the late Bacchus have also condemned the robberies which have taken place at the Lusignan and Mon Repos Markets.

“We are here protesting peacefully and we are here to send a message, we are not a part of no robbery…we are not here to lime and party and rob anyone,” they said in a live Facebook video.

“WE denounce any robbery,” they added.