In a statement, the Association said it is “cognisant of the grief, pain and trauma now experienced by relatives, friends and associates of the deceased and injured as a result this unfortunate and regrettable incident.

Two of Douglas’ colleagues were wounded in the incident.

The body said it is, however, “happy with the initiative taken by the Commissioner of Police to conduct an investigation into the matter.”

The Association added, “it is without doubt that our body is confident that the team selected to carry out such an investigation will do so objectively and professionally.

“It is our hope that the public, including those persons who are directly affected as a result of this incident, will exercise some degree of patience and await the outcome of the investigation.”

The Association said it also notes with concern the unfavourable remarks made against its members recently and wishes to point out that it in no way condones wrongdoing by its members.

“We are always in support of the Force’s administration in whatever appropriate action taken against members of the Force when they are found committing any wrongdoing.”

PPP concerned about shooting of UG student
The People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) notes with deep concern the recent shooting of Maria Sharma, a university student and young mother and the kidnapping of her husband, Doodnauth Sharma on Wednesday night.

In a press release yesterday, the party said, “we take this opportunity to express our sincerest regret to Mrs. Sharma and her husband traumatized by the banditry and attempted murder on them.

The party noted that the violence unleashed on our nation since the prison break on February 23, 2002 has created a dangerous climate in our country. Since then many persons have been killed including business people and other innocent by-standers.

The security forces, especially the Police, it said, are expected to contain the crimes on citizens but is being done in conditions of regular harassment emanating from certain quarters and these ranks are targeted for execution, it pointed out.

All of this must impact negatively on their performance and duties, the party explained. It noted that in one year more than 20 law enforcement officers have been gunned down.

The Party is calling on the law enforcement agencies to continue their work with diligence and with the law in the protection of all citizens.

It added that for some time there have been some forces in our society that have been consciously or unconsciously helping to foster the present climate. These acts that glorify criminals and media “explanations” that try to portray criminals as heroes are contributing to the dangers to which the innocent and indeed, the Guyanese community at large are exposed.

The PPP warned that those who short sightedly believe that support, overt and covert, for criminals could gain them political mileage must rethink that position.

The PPP believe that we must all unite and fight crime and in so doing we would be creating a safe atmosphere where we can all carry on with our lives in peace and security, the Party stressed.

Protest continues
THE ongoing protest by university students pressing for justice for Yohance Douglas entered its fourth day today with executives of the University of Guyana Student’s Society (UGSS) meeting with members of the diplomatic community.

The funeral of Yohance Douglas was postponed from Saturday and is now scheduled for Monday.

Head of the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) Michael Welsh informed the media that a meeting was held with teachers to decide on the way forward and the best way to lend support for the funeral of Yohance Douglas.

Lecturers of the University will join the march today in support of the students, he said. They have declared Monday a day of mourning.

A vigil is also held each night at ‘Bonasika Square’ where Yohance met his unfortunate demise.