The kidnapping of the United States diplomat on the East Coast on Saturday has brought this worrying situation to a new stage, the party said in a statement.

It said that shortly after this event, "when one would have expected a high state of alert in the area, another Policeman was gunned down in Buxton."

"Notwithstanding the presence of Army ranks in that section of East Coast Demerara for over a year, kidnapping, murders, violent assaults and robberies continue to occur in the village. Consequently, Guyanese are entitled to ask: what is really happening?", the statement said.

The PPP said it joins with many Guyanese in calling for a rethink of the situation at Buxton and the type of response by the security forces.

"A new approach is needed and is needed urgently", it said.

It also repeated a call to all Guyanese to take a more active part in their own security and in the security of their communities.

"Also, we urge that the safety and security of all Guyanese and guests of the country, including diplomats, continue to be given adequate attention", the statement said.

Meanwhile, the main opposition People's National Congress Reform (PNC/R) has condemned the kidnapping Saturday of the Regional Security Officer of the United States Embassy in Guyana, Mr. Steve Lesniak.

He was released unharmed Saturday night.

The PNC/R in a statement said, "this incident not only taints the reputation of our country as a place of violent crime, but adds a new negative dimension to our diplomatic relations with the United States of America."

"The recent spate of kidnappings in Guyana is a matter of deep concern to the PNC/R. These incidents are serious hindrances to development and social cohesion in our society", it said.

"It is common knowledge that the United States Government has never negotiated under duress. It is, therefore, folly for any one to conceive a plot to kidnap a U.S. official and to attempt to extract a ransom. Consequently, the nature of this incident must be carefully examined by the relevant authorities to determine its true motivation and to identify the mastermind/s involved", the PNC/R said.