Jagdeo says opposition instigated violence, chaos

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo accused the PNC-led political opposition of orchestrating the chaos that unfolded Monday, noting that violence was instigated while people’s emotions ran high.

Speaking on Wednesday, Dr Jagdeo said the opposition mobilised individuals to incite unrest, dismissing claims by Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton that the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) had infiltrated protests and engaged in looting.

“It is not surprising that Norton would make such accusations,” Jagdeo said.

“This is a tactic they have used before… putting vulnerable individuals on the frontlines to create mayhem.”

According to Jagdeo, intelligence reports indicated that individuals spreading terror and committing acts of arson were acting under centralised instructions.

“They were seen riding around on motorcycles, moving in a coordinated fashion. This was not a spontaneous protest. It was mobilised,” he stated.

There were protests following the death of 11-year-old Adriana Younge and the release of the autopsy findings. However, Jagdeo contended that some persons capitalised on the tense situation and engaged in violent political maneuvering.

“They paid people to cause destruction. This is a well-established pattern of behaviour,” he claimed.

Several Chinese-owned supermarkets were looted and set alight, private vehicles were attacked, and major roadways were blocked using burning debris during the disturbance.

Dr Jagdeo reiterated the PPP’s commitment to national unity and development.

“We are focused on bringing people together, building the country — not harming others or tearing it down. We believe in inclusion, not in keeping people uneducated or burdened with a victim’s mindset simply to use them.”

The Vice President accused Norton of openly endorsing disruptive tactics.

Authorities have confirmed that action will be taken against those who instigated and participated in the unrest. Several persons were already charged and remanded on Wednesday.