See full statement from the Guyana Police Force:
Police to send file to DPP today
— regarding dispute over unlawful occupancy of a Government building in Lethem
The Guyana Police Force has prepared a file to be sent to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) today for legal advice.
The government building (R# 7) is located opposite Boston Street, Lethem, in Central Rupununi and is alleged to be unlawfully occupied by the Opposition People’s National Congress (PNC).
On March 1 2023, at about 23:50 hrs, Police ranks in Regional Division #9, acting on information, went to the Government Building where they met Regional Executive Officer (REO) Mr Karl Singh and six men. The REO indicated to the Ranks that he had given the six men permission to enter the building and take off the roof since the building belongs to the Region and it was tendered for infrastructure work to be done.
The contractor completed the task of taking off the roof at about 01:25 hrs on March 2. At about 02:30 hours that morning, a motor pickup bearing license plate # GRR 1100 driven by Carl Parker and minibus bearing license plate #BYY 755 driven by George Nicholson arrived at the area where they started to ‘video’ the building. The contractor Dale Kennedy and two of his workers were inside the building at the time.
Carl Parker entered the compound and the building, where he started behaving disorderly and chasing the contractor and his workers. The contractor and his workers refused to move.
However, the ranks intervened and told Parker to maintain the peace. He became annoyed and entered three other times, where he continued to video the building and workers.
The following day at about 16:00 hours, the REO went to the Lethem Police Station, where he made a formal report that PNC Officials Mr Darren Wade, Ms Dawn Hastings-Williams and others came and broke off the lock from the gate of the compound and damaged the fence. They then entered the compound, abusing the contractor and his workers and chasing them from the building, telling them to leave.
The REO pointed out that he would have served APNU/AFC Chairperson and General Secretary a Notice and reminders to hand over the Government Building R#7 Lethem several times.
As such, a Police file was prepared for this report and will be sent to the DPP today. Police will take the appropriate action after that based on the recommendation from the DPP.
