Top Cop warns of consequences for blocking roads, disrupting traffic

…thorough probe launched into Hopetown incident …as Commander expresses concern over those seeking ‘vigilante’ justice

Acting Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken is appealing to members of the public to desist from unlawful acts, such as blocking roads, burning tyres and disrupting traffic flow while simultaneously intimidating and robbing commuters and the travelling public.

The Commissioner’s appeal came in the wake of two recent incidents –one at Buxton, East Coast Demerara on February 1, and the other on Sunday at Hopetown, West Coast Berbice.

The two incidents saw persons burning tyres and other debris and setting vehicles alight as they resorted to blocking the roadways and preventing the smooth flow of traffic.

Commissioner Hicken made it clear that this type of behaviour is unlawful and will not be tolerated. He said those held accountable would face the full brunt of the law, and there would be a zero-tolerance approach from the Guyana Police Force to ensure that law and order are maintained throughout the country.

On Sunday, a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) rank and a student of Fort Wellington Secondary School were seriously injured after they were struck down by a speeding car along the Fort Wellington Public Road, West Coast Berbice (WCB), on Sunday.

Injured was GDF

Reservist, 22-year-old Kevin Wilson while the student was identified as 14-yearold Jaheim Gangoo. The situation later escalated into hours of unrest as residents lit the car involved on fire.

Thorough probe Commander for Region Five Division, Assistant Commissioner Kurleigh Simon has indicated that while the situation is back to normal at Hopetown, a thorough investigation has been launched into all circumstances surrounding the incident.

A report from the Guyana Police Force on Monday stated that about 17:26h on Sunday, a 19-year-old of Bath Settlement went to the Fort Wellington Police Station and reported the incident.

The teenager claimed that a few moments earlier, he was driving motor car PNN 1801 when two men on pedal cycles rode in front of him, causing him to collide with one of the men. He alleged that moments later, a crowd gathered at the scene and persons robbed him of his iPhone and one gold chain.

As a result, a rank uplifted a medical certificate and attempted to escort the teen driver to seek medical attention at the Fort Wellington Public Hospital. However, according to the Police statement to the press, the teen- ager’s father, a 43-yearold businessman of Bath Settlement, began verbally abusing the Police. The teenager also refused to be escorted to the hospital, instead entering a motor vehicle which drove off.

Police officers proceeded to the accident scene at Hopetown where the motor car was stationary on the southern footpath, with extensive damage to the front. There was no key in the vehicle.

Public-spirited citizens pulled out the vehicle from the said position to be escorted to the Fort Wellington Police Station. However, several angry residents lifted the vehicle back to the southern side of the road and began damaging it further.