-says it’s time region be respected by gov’t
Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed has called on residents of Region Ten to stage a peaceful protest tomorrow, saying the demonstration is intended to send what he described as a message that the government must respect democracy, accountability and the rights of the region.
In a video message circulated yesterday, Mohamed urged residents to gather from 9 a.m. on August 4 outside Watooka House in Linden, where he said Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo is expected to be.
“My brothers and sisters of Region 10, the time has come,” Mohamed said in the opening of his address.
“I’m calling on every resident of Region 10 to join me in a peaceful protest at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, August 4, in front of Watooka House, where Bharrat Jagdeo will be. Let us send this dictatorship PPP government a clear message that enough is enough.”
He said the protest would form part of a broader campaign of resistance against the government.
“Wherever you and your government go, you must be met with protests,” Mohamed declared. “It is time for Region 10 to be treated fairly. It is time for Region 10 to be respected. It is time for the people of Region 10 to receive the justice and representation they deserve.”
The Opposition Leader argued that Region Ten had been denied proper democratic representation, pointing to the absence of an elected Regional Chairman and Vice Chairman nearly a year after the General and Regional Elections.
“For too long this government has ignored the voices of the people of Region 10,” he said.
“Almost one year after you voted, Region 10 remains the only region without an elected Regional Chairman and Vice Chairman because the government-appointed REO has refused to call the meeting to complete the process. That is not democracy. That is dictatorship and a blatant disregard for your vote.”
Mohamed also renewed allegations of corruption against the government, saying Guyanese continued to seek answers regarding the wealth of senior government officials.
“The questions surrounding the President’s farm have never gone away. The Guyanese people are still waiting for clear answers. Instead of transparency, we have seen silence, deflection and a government that expects the public to simply move on.”
He also accused the administration of failing to adequately support residents of Region Ten despite the area’s economic contributions.
“Region 10 produces enormous wealth for this country. Your bauxite, gold, timber, sand and stone help build Guyana. The trucks carrying fuel, goods, meat, chicken, beef and even Brazilian cows pass through this region daily. Yet too many families here continue to struggle.”
Referring to recent flooding that affected communities in Kwakwani and along the Demerara River, Mohamed said residents had been abandoned during their time of need.
“When the people of Kwakwani and the Demerara River suffered during the floods, they deserved urgency, compassion and support. Many residents were abandoned when they needed their government most.”
Mohamed also criticised Jagdeo for discontinuing his weekly press conferences amid public controversy.
“While Guyanese continue to ask difficult questions about corruption and mismanagement, Bharrat Jagdeo became absent and silent and stopped his weekly press conferences. The people deserve answers. They deserve accountability. They deserve leaders who are prepared to answer for their decisions.”
The Opposition Leader further referenced the July 18 sinking of the MV Barima, which claimed 73 lives, saying grieving families were still waiting for justice.
“Families are still grieving. Families are still waiting for justice. Yet Ministers Juan Edghill and Deodat Indar remain in office. That is why we are demanding their removal from office.”
Calling for a large turnout tomorrow, Mohamed urged residents to attend with relatives and friends.
“Come out in large numbers. Bring your family. Bring your friends. Bring your neighbours. Let us stand together and send one clear message to this government: Respect the people. Respect our vote. Respect democracy.”
He concluded by appealing to the history of protest and activism associated with Linden.
“Lindeners, with your fighting spirit, you have proven time and time again that you will not sit back and accept mediocrity. You have always been a people to stand up for your rights. Let this time be no different.”
The video also featured archival footage of Jagdeo, recorded while the APNU+AFC administration was in office, in which he advocated public demonstrations against the then government. Mohamed included the clip as part of his appeal for residents to participate in tomorrow’s planned protest.
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