Region 10 protesters in long standoff at Jagdeo outreach

-demand election of chair, vice chair and removal of Edghill, Indar

What began as a government outreach at the Watooka Guest House yesterday  quickly transformed into a tense, hours-long standoff, as chanting protesters, heightened security and a breached gate became the defining images of the day.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo’s outreach in Linden was met by scores of demonstrators led by Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, who demanded the removal of Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and Public Utilities and Aviation Minister Deodat Indar over the July 18, 2026 MV Barima tragedy. Protesters also called for the vessel to be raised and for elections to finally be held for the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Region Ten Democratic Council.

From early yesterday morning, demonstrators gathered opposite the Watooka Guest House, waving placards and chanting slogans as residents entered the venue to participate in the government’s outreach programme. (See other story on this page) For more than 45 minutes, protesters maintained their demonstration, insisting that Jagdeo meet with them directly.

The atmosphere changed when Mohamed arrived and requested an audience with the Vice President.

As the Opposition Leader approached the entrance, supporters rallied behind him, chanting and demanding that police allow them into the compound. Senior police officers stationed at the gate refused entry, maintaining that the security arrangements would remain in place.

Moments later, a message was relayed to the protesters that Jagdeo would meet with them within ten minutes.

The promised meeting never came.

As the minutes passed, frustration in the crowd mounted. Chants grew louder, with protesters accusing the Government of ignoring their concerns. The crowd then surged toward the entrance, where demonstrators and police became locked in a tug-of-war over the main gate.

After repeated pulling by protesters, the gate eventually gave way.

With Mohamed leading the procession, demonstrators entered the compound chanting, “Who must go? Edghill and Indar,” while others demanded justice for the victims of the MV Barima disaster and elections in Region Ten.

Upon the protesters’ entry to the compound of Watooka House, Jagdeo made his way to the upper floor of the guest house, where he remained throughout the day while continuing consultations with residents attending the outreach.

Inside the compound, protesters assembled at the foot of the staircase leading to the upper flat, repeatedly calling for the Vice President to come downstairs and engage with them.

That meeting never materialised.

For hours, chants echoed throughout the compound and there were repeated calls for the removal of Edghill and Indar.

As tensions remained high, police maintained a heavy security presence around the guest house. Coast Guard personnel secured areas surrounding the venue, while SWAT officers and police ranks occupied positions throughout the compound. Additional members of the Guyana Defence Force were later called to the area but did not enter the compound.

At several points during the protest, supporters from opposing political camps exchanged heated words, with some confrontations threatening to turn physical before police intervened to separate those involved.

The standoff lasted for several hours before Jagdeo eventually emerged in the evening to leave the premises under police escort.

As he departed, the Vice President remarked that the opposition and protesters had “a long day” before leaving without addressing the crowd or holding the requested meeting.

Speaking to reporters after the protest, Mohamed said the demonstration was about accountability and democratic representation.

“September 1 will make one year since the elections, and Region Ten is still without a Regional Chairman. That is not democracy; that is dictatorship,” he said.

By the time the crowd dispersed, the outreach had concluded without the face-to-face engagement protesters had sought, leaving many expressing disappointment that their demands remained unanswered after an entire day of demonstrations.