The Guyana Association of Women Lawyers (GAWL) says that lawlessness cannot and must not be tolerated, and urged all stakeholders to address the serious issues which the country is facing in a spirit of compromise.
And the GAWL in a press release also asserted that as a civil society partner it had to "strongly condemn the violent and destructive actions of alleged protestors on Wednesday, July 3."
The alleged attack on the Office of the President could be said to amount to trespass, the release said.
"It should be noted," the release pointed out, "that an occupier can use such force as is necessary to repel a trespass by someone else who enters their premises with intent to commit a felony or serious offence."
In this case, it is alleged that persons forcibly entered the Office of the President on that day not only with the intention of committing a felony but that they did in fact do so, the release noted.
The GAWL also emphasised that while persons have a right to protest, they do not have a right to harm others or put them at risk and/or to damage or destroy property.
The women lawyers body said that through its outreach work it was aware of the many concerns that citizens have, but "all must appreciate that along with the constitutional and human rights accorded to them, there is a corresponding duty to act responsibly and respect the rights of others."
The association called on all Guyanese to think carefully before acting, to carefully and critically assess the words and actions of purported leaders, and to adhere to the rule of law.
Likewise, GAWL advised, the leadership of any group should at all times let good sense prevail and ensure that their followers are given the basic information to allow them to make informed decisions in their best interest.
"The words of our National Pledge - 'I pledge myself ... to be obedient to the laws of Guyana...' must not be repeated meaninglessly," GAWL added.