Army called out as… Civil unrest flares in ‘C’ Field, Sophia – Firemen forced to retreat, pastor’s vehicle set alight

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) have commenced joint patrols in an effort to safeguard citizens following several incidents that occurred outside several polling stations in the city, and especially in Sophia.Earlier last night the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) had to retreat when they came under attack by an angry mob in ‘C’ Field, Sophia, while responding to a report of a fire outside the home of Church of Christ Pastor, Narine Khublall.

His vehicle was set alight after irate villagers reacted to a misleading report alleging that he was storing ballot boxes on his premises and was operating an illegal polling station.

Meanwhile, several vehicles were reportedly torched while debris was placed on the roadway and the riot police and villagers were exchanging gunfire.

The situation was said to be volatile and despite the presence of the riot police in full gear, the large crowd refused to disperse and return to their homes.

Divisional Commander of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), Compton Sparman told the Chronicle last night that firefighters had to return to their respective fire stations after the fire tender was pelted with bottles, among other missiles, damaging the vehicle and the windscreen while injuring several firemen, who were seated in the tender.

He added that firemen will not return to the area without police protection. Late last night the Army, and Police, were deployed to the area.

So far, up to press time, it was alleged that several vehicles, including that of Khublall, were destroyed by fire and there was a standoff between police and villagers.

Khublall’s home was stormed earlier yesterday despite pleadings by several APNU+AFC candidates, who visited the area and pleaded for calm and peace.

The pastor, who is also a humanitarian, operates a church and resource centre at his home in ‘C’ Field, Sophia.

The father of one, a Community Policing Group member, is said to be a supporter of the PPP/C, who graduated several years ago with a Diploma in Theology from the Church of Christ Bible School.

By Michel Outridge and Rawle Toney