– in light of damage to property, attacks and robberies on motorists, commuters

SEEKING justice for Isaiah and Joel cannot be associated with criminality, destruction of property and robbery committed on innocent Guyanese, President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, on Tuesday, affirmed.

The commander-in-chief, in a statement to the press, said such behaviour was an injustice to the case of the two victims.

On Tuesday, police dealt with reports of attacks on motorists and commuters, the burning and damaging of personal property and robbery of innocent passers-by in Regions Six and Five.

Seven persons have been arrested and are being questioned in relation to the gruesome murder of the two teenagers at Cotton Tree, Backdam, West Coast Berbice. They went missing last Saturday and were discovered dead the following day.
President Ali said he was briefed by the Police Force on the severity of attacks, damage to property, robberies and brutality associated with a number of the protest actions in Region Five.

“These individuals who continue to cause public harm and mischief cannot pretend to be doing so in the name of justice for Isaiah and Joel. The police have also updated me on the progress of their investigation and they have assured that they will leave no stone unturned in ensuring justice for Joel and Isaiah is achieved, professionally,” President Ali said.

The head of state said the police have also assured him that the individuals who have caused harm to members of the public and private property will be identified and processed in accordance with the laws.

“I call once again on all Guyanese to condemn the brutal murder of Joel and Isaiah and to also condemn the brutality and unlawful behaviour of those who have inflicted injury, and robbed and damaged property of innocent Guyanese,” the President added.

Further, he said it was a time for Guyanese to reflect as a nation and to redouble efforts towards strengthening relations.

“I therefore urge all Guyanese to act responsibly, especially those in Region Five, and in keeping with the laws of our country.”

The Joint Services have been dispatched to the affected areas to restore normalcy. The Joint Services include members of the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Fire Service.

On Monday, former President David Granger and Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon told the protesting residents that their actions were a “correct response” to what has happened to the two boys.

Granger in his address called on residents to form a “self-defence society” to fight injustice.
Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, said he found it unsettling and unfortunate that such statements could be made by leaders in the country.
Benn also appealed for calm and urged residents not to allow the protests to descend into lawlessness.

Pull quote
“These individuals who continue to cause public harm and mischief cannot pretend to be doing so in the name of justice for Isaiah and Joel. The police have also updated me on the progress of their investigation and they have assured that they will leave no stone unturned in ensuring justice for Joel and Isaiah is achieved, professionally,” President Ali said.