INCREASING tensions during the last day of the People’s National Congress Reform’s (PNCR)18th Biennial Congress, were tempered forcefully, if only to an extent, after a single gunshot was fired into the air.
The discharge of the firearm sent delegates running; however, no one was injured. The PNC/R delegates gathered at Congress Place, Sophia, to vote in nominated individuals into key leadership positions within the party.
The Guyana Chronicle was informed by inside sources that the bodyguard of the party’s incumbent leader, Brigadier (Rtd.) David Granger, was the one who fired the shot just after noon, as the voting got underway.Another source added the gunshot was considered “necessary” to temper the behaviour of some of the delegates.At a press conference last evening, party Chairman Basil Williams stated that the person who fired the shot is unknown.
“Being very dissatisfied they (the delegates) then proceeded to block the entrance to the auditorium where accredited delegates were assembling to vote. In the ensuring confusion an explosive sound was heard, which caused momentary confusion. However, order was quickly restored and the Congress proceeded with its business,” he said.
Also, Leader of the party told reporters that the matter is being investigated.
Noteworthy also is that Mr. Granger’s bodyguard, who is always seen close tohim was not at last evening’s news conference.
Meanwhile, this newspaper spoke to several Members of Parliament (MPs) who contend that the wanton discharge of a firearm has left them worried for their safety in the National Assembly, as Granger’s bodyguard accompanies him to the sittings.
Attempts to contact the security personnel at the National Assembly to query if the main Opposition leader’s bodyguard has his firearm on his person and is required to lodge the weapon before proceeding up to the National Assembly’s Chambers proved futile.
Additionally, according to Guyana’s laws, depending on the circumstances surrounding the discharge of a firearm, the licence to carry the weapon can be revoked. (Vanessa Narine)