AFTER clashing with the police in the early hours of Monday, and spending the night on the roadways, protesters in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) have allowed traffic to finally flow after an almost 24-hour stoppage at Belladrum, West Coast Berbice.

The protesters had blocked the roads, demanding the release of the embattled returning officer of Region Four, Clairmont Mingo.

The protesters used old buildings, derelict vehicles, wood and other items to block the roadways, while setting old tyres and other items on fire to prevent vehicles from passing.

The traffic build-up was miles in both directions, with many forced to sleep on the roadways in their vehicles, while others sought alternative arrangements.

The police, in a statement issued on Sunday afternoon, made it clear they would use all legal means necessary to stop the illegal protest, and allow the traffic to flow.

On Monday, police in riot gear tried to disperse the protesters, but were met with resistance. At least one civilian and a policeman were injured during the standoff.

Despite getting the crowd that was in breach of the COVID-19 protocols to temporarily disperse, they returned and demonstration escalated. Some protestors made make-shift beds and camped out on the roadways throughout the night.

As the new day dawned, more protesters joined from other villages such as Calcutta, in Mahaicony, in blocking the roadways. Some even took to playing dominos in the middle of the road to ensure no vehicle was allowed to pass.

The protesters finally let up after Mingo, who was charged with four counts of electoral fraud, was released after being asked to post $600,000 in bail. Upon his release, he was given a warm welcome by the protesters.

By mid-afternoon, the traffic started to flow, albeit at a snail’s pace, as drivers tried to manoeuvre the numerous hindrances on the roadways.

Residents and police ranks joined forces by late afternoon to help clear the roadways, and traffic was finally allowed to flow freely.

The Association for Democracy and Human Rights Guyana, in a statement on Monday, is calling on the leadership of the APNU+AFC to stop misleading their supporters by encouraging them to commit illegal activities, noting that the protests by the residents were reminiscent of the PNC of old.
“We ask that the leaders of APNU+AFC discontinue their efforts at misleading the residents of Belladrum, and that they desist from inciting further protest action. These actions are only reflective of the actions of the PNC back in 1992, after they lost general elections that year. The ‘Mo Fyah, Slow Fyah’ campaign was launched by some of the very same PNC members who now constitute the membership of the APNU+AFC Coalition. The 1992 campaign caused mayhem, loss of lives, looting and property destruction. It almost seems as if the tiger has not lost its stripes,” the organization said in its statement.