Opposition MP demands swift justice, but urges residents to stop destroying infrastructure

Jermaine Figueira, Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) and prominent leader in the community of Linden, Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice), is demanding swift justice for the families of the two men who were killed, allegedly by members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

But as residents also protest – making similar demands for swift justice – the parliamentarian is urging them to do so responsibly.

Ronaldo Peters, 21, and Keon Fogenay, 32, were killed allegedly by police officers on Monday and Tuesday, respectively.

In protest of the killing of Peters, residents on Tuesday set fire to the existing Wismar/Mackenzie bridge as well as the new structure under construction.

In an interview with this publication, however, Figueira reminded citizens of the economic potential of their community and urged that they not jeopardise it.

“I understand the state of the anger of the community but equally we have a duty and responsibility to act within the confines of the law and moreso, not to destroy private and public property and moreso the infrastructure,” the parliamentarian said.

“I saw the bridge was on fire. Now that bridge is an important artery for transport within this region…and it serves the community of significant value and if we damage the facility and if there’s an emergency on the Wismar shore for an ambulance or fire reel, how can they access the bridge if it is burnt down?”

In this regard, Figueira said “I call on the residents of Linden for us to be peaceful in our protest action, respect the laws and ensure that we don’t destroy the infrastructure that service the community.”

In the same vein, however, the Opposition MP demanded reforms within the GPF in addition to urging a thorough investigation into the incidents that unfolded.

Fogenay was killed during the protests that erupted on Tuesday.

“I am angry and the community is angry, rightfully so. Because we’re of the view the use of lethal force should have been the last option because based on the information that I gathered, the first guy who got shot…he was running from the police and the police opened fire, killing him. The other guy, I’m told, was heading home from work to meet his family and he too was shot, and it brings into question (the conduct) of the police with regards to their SOPs. I think it was blatantly ignored,” Figueira said.

“I don’t believe the men posed any risk because none of them brandished a weapon for the police to consider using such lethal force towards them,” he added.

The Opposition MP called for the use of cameras by officers in plain clothes as well as those carrying lethal weapons.

He also called a thorough investigation and swift justice for the families of both men who were killed.

The officers involved in both fatal shootings have been placed under close arrest while the Office of Professional Responsibility with support from the Regional Security System (RSS) investigates both situations.

Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces President Dr Irfaan Ali, in a statement, said “every aspect of these incidents will be examined thoroughly and transparently, with external oversight.”