POLICE say Thursday’s procession towards State House, orchestrated by the Mohamed family, was unlawful because no written permission was sought or granted.
What started as a demonstration of about 20 persons, primarily including the Mohameds family, outside of the St George’s Cathedral later became a “march” by the group of persons towards State House.
Notably, this was on the occasion of the visit of King Charles III to Guyana, and during a state reception in his honour that was attended by senior members of the family’s WIN party, Odessa Primus and Tabitha Sarabo-Halley.
Commander of Region 4A, Simon McBean, said the group assembled at St. George’s Cathedral and moved as a procession without applying to the Chief Officer of Police.
He stressed that peaceful protest is a constitutional right, but said a march through a public place requires permission under the Public Order Act, Cap. 16:03.
Section 5(1) of the Act states that no person shall hold or take part in any public procession, other than a funeral procession, unless the Chief Officer of Police has first given written permission.
Under section 5(2), anyone wishing to hold a procession must apply in writing at least 48 hours beforehand. If permission is granted, the Chief Officer sets the routes and times and may give special orders, which everyone taking part must obey.
McBean said the group was removed from the vicinity of State House and regrouped at Middle and Carmichael Streets as a picketing exercise. He added that the use of a noisy instrument was also unauthorised, as no permission was given.
Section 13 of the Public Order Act makes it an offence to take part in a procession prohibited under section 5, or to breach the conditions of a permit.
On summary conviction, offenders are liable to a fine of $26,000 and four months’ imprisonment. Separately, section 306 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act makes taking part in any rout or unlawful assembly a misdemeanour, punishable by up to one year in prison.
The Guyana Police Force said that over the past two weeks, several groups picketing in Georgetown tried to use noisy instruments without the permission required by section 12(1). Officers intervened and educated protesters.
Three applications were later submitted, and the Chief Officer denied all three because the noise would have unduly disturbed residents and businesses.
The Force said it remains committed to peaceful protest but must balance that right against the community’s right to go about daily life, and urged organisers to follow the statutory processes.
Thursday’s action is the latest in a series of demonstrations that have been unlawful in several instances.
The protests have largely been mobilised by the Mohamed sisters, Hadiyyah and Hana, and other family members, who have drawn a small group of about 20 people.
The demonstration drew strong condemnation because it took place near State House during the King’s visit.
