Pres. Ali meets with families of Linden men shot dead by police; family urges peace

In light of the situations that unfolded in Linden, Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) that has left two men dead and several police officers injured, President Dr Irfaan Ali today travelled to the mining town to meet with the families of the victims and other stakeholders.

The meeting was held in private at Watooka House.

The visit came as unrest intensified following the police shooting of 21-year-old Ronaldo Peters and 32-year-old Keon Fogneay, triggering mass protests in the town.

During the meeting, the President offered his condolences and emphasised the need for calm and compassion during what he described as a “deeply painful” time.

“To the families, you have my love and prayers,” President Ali stated before the meeting, which was held behind closed doors at the request of the relatives. “There are children, parents, mothers involved… An engagement with the family is the most important thing right now.”

His brief public statement was streamed live before the private talks.

“I want to sit with you and let us come up with a solution that adds value to you, things that will be meaningful, things that will be helpful for your families and the community that is what I want to assure you and that is what I am here for this evening,” the Guyanese Leader said.

Following the private meeting with President Ali, the family of Peters called on the public, particularly the residents of the township, to “keep the peace”.

The call was made by Peter’s cousin who assured that “the family met with the President, and the President has pledged his full support for the entire family and justice will be served in the situation”.

The President’s visit followed a tragic turn of events in the mining town, where protests erupted after the alleged police killing of Peters. Peters was shot dead on Monday allegedly by a police officer stationed at the Wismar Police Station, prompting widespread anger and street demonstrations on Tuesday.

Less than 24 hours later, protests escalated dramatically. As demonstrators set fires and blocked major routes, another man — Keon “Dan” Fogenay, a 32-year-old father of four — was fatally shot by police. According to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the shooting occurred during an attempt to disperse protestors who had turned violent, throwing missiles and damaging property.