Breaking News: Linden protests escalate…Five buildings destroyed by fire

Five buildings were destroyed by fire early today as the almost month-long protests at Linden took an ugly turn.

The Guyana Revenue office, the Linden Care Foundation, the Old GECOM Office, the Linden Electricity Incorporated and a church were all destroyed. The Old LINMINE Office at McKenzie was also set alight but that building was saved.

Kaieteur News understands that the Guyana Fire Service were unable to reach the areas where the fires occurred owing to blockades on the McKenzie-Wismar Bridge and burning of Five Corner roadway on McKenzie. Even if the truck had crossed the bridge the roadway at Wismar end is blocked by an old oil tanker and other debris.

The fire started around 03: 10 hrs this morning in Wismar destroying the old GECOM Office, where a PPP supporter has his office.

Soldiers and public spirited residents assisted in removing valuable items from the Linden Care Foundation.

According to reports coming out of Linden, around midnight tensions between the two parties were raging. A few hours before dawn, the situation escalated, allegedly after the police started firing tear-gas indiscriminately. Some residents were forced to flee their houses and seek refuge at the New Silver City School.
(See further details and pictures to follow)