The Working Peoples Alliance (WPA) and the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) are at odds over whether a Commission of Inquiry should examine events leading up to the July 18 disturbances.

For its part, the PPP is accusing officials and agents of the Alliance For Change (AFC) and A Partnership for National Unity of making numerous racially charged statements in their efforts to agitate Lindeners to react in the way which has unfolded over the past few weeks.

The PPP noted that the AFC has objected to “one single clause” in the Terms of Reference for the inquiry that focuses on establishing what exactly transpired in the lead up and during the unfolding events in the mining community.

“Guyanese deserve to know the facts of what really transpired in Linden and it is time that the people of our nation know exactly who the agents of division in our society are,” the PPP stated.

But the WPA said efforts by government to include activities prior to July 18 were aimed at covering up the killing of three persons during clashes between police and protesters on the Linden Bridge.

According to the WPA, the latest deployment of the Joint Services in Linden three weeks after the deaths and injuries is “a highly provocative escalation against the peaceful protesting people of Linden.

“This latest action has taken Guyana several steps closer to the brink of a mass political conflict that could have far-reaching consequences, particularly given the rumored, we hope, allegations that the PPP is seeking to insert the “organization and planning” of the peaceful protest on July 18 into the Terms of Reference of the intended Inquiry as a diversion from the murders of that fateful date,” the WPA added.

The WPA contended that government was not interested in a negotiated solution to the Linden crisis and has instead opted for a military solution and has used the talks as political diversion and theatre.

Government,, for its part, has credited the talks with making progress in crafting and agreeing to the terms of reference for a technical committee to examine the financing and administration of the electricity sector there. Protests and disturbances were originally triggered by the now suspended increase in electricity rates from July 1

While government said it is ready and willing to continue talks with representatives of Region 10, the WPA said the Donald Ramotar administration’s abrupt cancellation of the scheduled meeting on Friday in the wake of the Joint Forces’ action is ominous.

“WPA has reason to believe that agreement on the Terms of Reference for the Commission of Inquiry and the setting up of the Technical Team to take another look at the electricity issue represents the furthest the PPP intends to go. This is nothing short of political betrayal and should be condemned by all patriots,” said the party.

The WPA said it would be issuing an international appeal for solidarity with Lindeners against war propaganda leaflets airdropped by an army helicopter, disproportionate force and uncaring Private Sector Commission that has encouraged a crackdown on Linden.

While the party said it respected the right of the Private Sector to protect its interests, the WPA said it would not trade justice for the working people in exchange for the protection and patronage of narrow elite class interests. “It is nauseating to hear both the PSC and the government constantly bemoan the loss of profits while completely ignoring the economic plight of Lindeners and the fact that three lives were lost and several other citizens have been injured,” added the WPA.

On the other hand, the PPP accused the AFC and APNU of encouraging protesters in the early stages of the protest of threatening to kill Prime Minister Samuel Hinds “as was clearly spelt out on one of their placards during a demonstration.”

“Despite this fact, Prime Minister Hinds who is responsible for the electricity sector journeyed to Linden where his visit was rebuffed at the instigation of the opposition through the protestors,” the PPP added.

The opposition was also blamed for turning around and questioning government for not visiting the scene of the protests while supporting the “extremists fringe.” The party said they are blocking the various access roads to Linden and also vital roadways inside the community itself, the digging up of roads and placing of logs across roads to halt any traffic, the attacks and robbery of persons attempting to navigate their way either to the Capital city or back to the hinterland or the extortion of some for safe passage through the township.

The PPP credited a large majority of Lindeners who do not support the actions of the protestors led by Regional Chairman, Sharma Soloman.

President Ramotar, according to the party, is ready to visit Linden after the blockages are removed in his government’s ongoing quest to improve the conditions there.

“The party reaffirms its commitment to the people of Linden through its policies and programmes at the level of Central Government as with every other community in Guyana to constantly and consistently work to improve the standard of living of all our people,” added the PPP.