Granger gives assurances that protests will be non – violent, lawful

 

By Kurt Campbell

[www.inewsguyana.com] – Opposition Leader David Granger says the country, particularly businesses, have nothing to fear with the mass demonstrations that are expected in coming weeks; signaling a rejection of the decision by President Donald Ramotar to prorogue Parliament.

The Opposition Leader gave assurances this morning at his weekly press conference that the street protest, led by the political opposition, will be non – violent.

“Let it be clear that protesting is a guaranteed constitutional right. People are entitled to protest against what they see as wrong and what we have done over the years is to ensure that protest are conducted in and orderly and peaceful manner,” Granger said ahead of a planned rally at the Square of the Revolution, Georgetown this afternoon.

He reminded that even on Monday last, “in the face of provocation,” when hundreds of angry people came out on the streets following the prorogation, demonstrations were peaceful and participants remained calm.

He said what is possible is that provocateurs could infiltrate the ranks of the protesters to cause trouble and disrupt order.

“That is an occupational hazard but we have asked our supporters to ensure that any known agents are not allowed to misbehave.”

“Not a single business has anything to fear,” the Opposition Leader said; reminding too that the main opposition – A Partnership for National Unity has been picketing the Office of the President since September with no disturbance of the peace.

The Opposition Leader, earlier this week, had written the Army Chief, Brigadier Mark Phillips and Commissioner of Police (ag) SeelallPersaud; asking them not to take any provocative and unlawful action against legitimate protestors who did not break the law.

“If people break the law then they will have to face the full force of the sanctions but our supporters in APNU are quite aware of what is at stake with the successful protest against the government and that cannot be achieved by disorder,” he added.

Granger called on the entire nation – civil society, non-governmental organisations, professional organisations, political parties, religious organisations, social groups and trade unions – to resist the President’s “objectionable and obnoxious” proclamation to prorogue parliament.

He said the President’s decision is a denial of democracy and not to allow the administration to implant a ‘one-party’ dictatorship in Guyana.