Members of the Joint Services were forced to form a protective circle around Prime Minister Mark Phillips, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn and Human Services Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud as angry protesters on the West Coast of Berbice blocked and confronted them during a visit this afternoon.
The three were blocked by the protesters who demanded justice over the murder of teenagers Joel and Isaiah Henry.
“We don’t want y’all here now”, shouted some of the angry protesters as members of the Joint Services attempted to maintain peace.
“What we need is justice not y’all visits, is justice we out here for” shouted one protester, as the Ministers stood and looked on.
Prime Minister Phillips made it clear to the Joint Services that even as the situation appeared hostile, he did not want any use of force.
In another area along the West Coast of Berbice, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn begged for calm and for good sense to prevail as he promised that a thorough and complete investigation will be done.
“We have to ensure peace in the country and good relations between the communities so that the country can develop. Issues which people are trying to bring into this situation, do not have a direct bearing on the incident of itself”, Benn said.
Some of the protesters said the situation in the West Berbice area has been simmering for years and they blame Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo for many of his subliminal messages over the years, which they believe, fuel hate in many communities.
“What we are seeing today has been incited by Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo on a subliminal level and we are not stupid. He has been making all types of statements on television”, a protester explained to the Prime Minister and the other Ministers.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips said the time is now for the healing to begin all across the country and for serious conversations to take place about moving the country forward for everyone.
Social Services Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud told the protesters that she has condemned and will always condemn incidents of violence especially when it targets young people.
The Protesters said they are still hurting from the gruesome killings and would like other communities across the country to understand their hurt.
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