DOMESTIC terrorism is defined as the calculated use of violence or the threat of violence against civilians or governments. Further, it is intended to attain goals that are either political, religious or ideological and is a violation of the criminal laws of a state. This type  of violence has within the last  10 years become  a   feature of alarming frequency, in many  states  throughout the international system, and though  traditionally associated with non–Western countries, has  also been a regular feature in a number of Western ones, particularly the United States.  One will recall the Oklahoma City bombing, perpetrated by Timothy McVeigh, later tried and executed for this horrendous crime.
Guyana has had its share of such  occurrences  within the last 10 years, beginning with  the 2002 jail break, that begun an orgy of violence and terror and kidnappings,  never before seen in this country. And though one will argue as to its comparison in terms of scale,  It was very peculiar in its execution, as not only were citizens indiscriminately murdered in their homes and on the streets; but also the State security system became a frequent target,with 24 members of the Guyana Police Force  murdered in a one-year period.  This number was one more than the 23 reported killed in the line of duty, between the years 1914–2002.
It was quite obvious that the aim was to have undermined the State security system, and the democratically elected PPP government; and, the plan to achieve this was by the constancy of bloody attacks on sections of the civilian populace, with the aim of coercion and intimidation.
Anyone who would have lived through this horrifying period would have recalled programmes hosted by certain talk show hosts, the well known  anti-government types, who openly glorified these cold- blooded murderers, shockingly presenting excuses as to the reasons for such anti-state activities. One must remember the infamous interview of the notorious Douglas, who  in that interview claimed to be a “Freedom Fighter.”
There are other incidents such as Mark Benschop leading a crowd that stormed the Office of the President, with two persons losing their lives. This incident resulted in Benschop being charged for treason, for which he was later granted a presidential pardon.
Now the scenario shifts to Linden, with some shades of domestic terrorism present.
Guyana can ill afford such outrages, particularly at a time when it is poised to continue the grand socio-economic transformation.
In this situation at Linden, the Guyana Police Force has been heavily criticised for their action. Their position is an extremely difficult one given the complexities in that environment at the moment; However, one will appreciate that they are still the dividing line between anarchy and civility in such circumstances.