Linden shootings: “You have my love and prayers” – Pres Ali meets with families of men shot by police

… “keep the peace” – families to protestors

In the wake of a rapidly escalating situation in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) that has left two men dead and several police officers injured, President Irfaan Ali travelled to the mining town Tuesday evening to meet privately with the families of the victims. The visit came as unrest intensified following the police shooting of 21-year-old Ronaldo Peters and 32-year-old Keon Fogenay, triggering mass protests and national concern.
The President met with the families at Watooka House, where he offered his condolences and emphasised the need for calm and compassion during what he described as a “deeply painful” time.
“To the families, you have my love and prayers,” President Ali stated before the meeting, which was held behind closed doors at the request of the relatives. “There are children, parents, mothers involved… An engagement with the family is the most important thing right now.”

His brief public statement was streamed live by Linden Mayor Sharma Solomon, who has taken an active role in the unfolding situation. However, President Ali expressed disappointment with the Mayor’s approach, hinting at tensions over the handling of the crisis.
“I want to sit with you and let us come up with a solution that adds value to you, things that will be meaningful, things that will be helpful for your families and the community that is what I want to assure you and that is what I am here for this evening,” the Guyanese Leader said.
Following the private meeting with President Ali, the family of 21-year-old Ronaldo Peters has called on the public, particularly the residents of the township to “keep the peace”.

The call was made by Peter’s cousin who assured that “the family met with the President, and the President has pledged his full support for the entire family and justice will be served in the situation”.
Another relative however, of the late 32-year-old Keon Fogenay has revealed that “President assured that there will be no bias within the investigation… understanding that the situation is wrong and the community needs justice”.
He further went on to state that “we know that there is action being taken. This is what we want swift action being taken”.
The President’s visit followed a tragic turn of events in the mining town, where protests erupted after the alleged police killing of Ronaldo Peters, a young resident of Wismar. Peters was reportedly shot by a police officer stationed at the Wismar Police Station, prompting widespread anger and street demonstrations demanding justice.
Less than 24 hours later, protests escalated dramatically. As demonstrators set fires and blocked major routes, another man — Keon “Dan” Fogenay, a 32-year-old father of four — was fatally shot by police during a confrontation where protestors hurdled missiles at the police. According to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the shooting occurred during an attempt to disperse protestors who had turned violent, throwing missiles and damaging property.

Independent & professional probe
Early Tuesday morning, protestors flooded the streets of Linden blocking off several major throughfares, and setting ablaze tires and other debris in the town, following a police shooting incident which led to the demise of a 21-year-old young man.
Head of state of state President Dr Irfaan Ali on Tuesday as part of efforts to ease the growing tension in the mining town has assured residents of Linden that there will be a full and professional investigation into the man’s death at the hands of the Police.
“They have assured me that all the legal steps in dealing with this matter must and will be followed. The Police is under arrest. The Office of Professional Responsibility is undertaking their investigations and I am asking that whatever external support may be needed, that that support is sought to ensure that all parties, and all stakeholders are comfortable with the outcome of the investigation and the process of the investigation”
Additionally, President Ali cautioned Linden residents to be mindful of narratives that may arise during this sensitive period, highlighting that the issue is one that is serious and should not be exploited politically.
“I want to say to the residents that we are going to ensure with support from independent support that this matter is dealt with professionally and this should not be exploited politically. This is not a political issue; this is a serious issue. I see the Police has issued a statement as to what were the circumstances surrounding the event and what led to the Police seeking the individual and all of that will also be investigated.”

“We must not lose sight”
Meanwhile, as the protests continued on Tuesday afternoon, the Home Affairs Ministry issued a statement urging calm in Linden. In the statement, Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn expressed:
“I am calling on citizens not to allow this unfortunate event to degenerate into lawlessness, or chaos. We must not lose sight of our responsibility to each other and our communities. Let us allow the due process of law to take its course, and refrain from actions which poses serious risks to public safety.”
Additionally, Minister Benn also called on community leaders, civil society representatives, and all residents of Linden to work together in maintaining peace and order, as the investigation proceeds.
Moreover, the cops involved in the fatal shooting have been placed under close arrest as the Office of Professional Responsibility with support from the Regional Security System (RSS) investigates the situation.