Police Force considering deployment of armoured vehicle to maintain ‘public order’

The Guyana Police Force says it has “been examining a piece of recently acquired Public Order equipment with a view of deployment,” in light of the violent protests that have erupted across the country post the March 2 general and regional elections.

The equipment the Police referred to is a heavily armoured vehicle; images were released to the media Saturday by Senior Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan who is also the Force’s Public Relations Officer.

On Friday, members of the Force were attacked by protesters in Berbice who took to the streets to vent their frustration with the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) declaration of unverified votes in Region Four.

Ranks of the Force were chopped by the protesters and some remain hospitalised.

Police Headquarters on Saturday released two photos of the armoured vehicle surrounded by heavily armed ranks and reminded the public about its mission statement.

“The mission of the Guyana Police Force and its auxiliaries is to serve all the citizens and communities of Guyana in a professional, proactive and accountable manner. To achieve this, we will work in partnership with communities, public agencies and private bodies to enhance and support an environment where all people are preventing crime and building a safer and secure Guyana.”