In wake of the delay in the full release of the election results, tension filled the air in the streets of Georgetown on Wednesday; and it was exacerbated when a convoy of vehicles drove through some city streets calling on the Guyana Elections Commission to declare the results.
ACME Photo Studio closes its doors as rumours of unrest spread across Georgetown on Wednesday
The procession was mainly drawn from supporters of the A Partnership for National Unity. As word spread that the procession was heading deep into the city, police hurriedly threw up barricades around the offices of GECOM; and shoppers, store owners, commuters, and school children abandoned their desks and hurried home. By 16:00h, the capital city was reduced to a ghost town, with most of the businesses closed and the streets cleared.
The rumours varied from the injured teen who was beaten in Non Pareil succumbing to the shooting to death of former wanted criminal, Sean Hinds.
These rumours were rapidly dispelled by the Guyana Police Force when it realised that they were creating turbulence and uneasiness among citizens throughout the city.
According to police spokesman Ivelaw Whittaker, contrary to information being circulated, all of the youths involved in the Non Pareil incident are alive and well, as they were contacted by police. While Hinds was reportedly seen alive in the vicinity of Robb Street on Wednesday.
Another incident that caused discomfort among citizens was the fact that some supporters of APNU were moving around the city in convoys celebrating what they believed was victory. Upon seeing this, businessmen and women secured their businesses with steel plates or plywood.
At Congress Place, Sophia, tempers were flaring and supporters were chanting and celebrating. Some supporters were reacting to the rumours.
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