The Guyana Police Force on Tuesday denied that Superintendent Errol Watts was ordered out of Linden, after his presence there was agitating residents.

Demerara Waves Online News (www.demwaves.com) on Monday reported that  Watts was removed from Linden after he twice left Mackenzie and went to Wismar, contrary to orders given for the Joint Services Operation.

Both senior police and Guyana Defence Force personnel have confirmed to DemWaves that Watts’ presence there had been agitating residents because he was linked to the pellet injury of several anti-government protesters in Georgetown last December.

Watts is bad news for anti-government politicians and supporters ever since he was accused of issuing orders for police to fire rubber bullets on peaceful protesters on Hadfield Street and Louisa Row late last year.

Watts had earlier that day repeatedly appealed to leaders of the protest and other influential persons at the Square of the Revolution not to engage in an illegal march. He was not at the scene of the shooting.
 

The Home Affairs Ministry shortly after announced that there had been a breach of procedure but until now no one has been knowingly disciplined for that incident. The matter is before the court.

Following is the full text of the police force’s statement:

The Guyana Police Force is clarifying that contrary to publications/announcements being made through the media, Superintendent Errol Watts has not been “ordered out” nor “pulled out” of the Joint Services operations dealing with the unrest at Linden.

Superintendent Errol Watts is one of the Police Officers temporarily attached to ‘E&F’ Division and is performing duties in the maintenance of law and order in the entire Linden community.  He is not assigned to any particular part of Linden as is being touted in the media.

The Police Force wishes to state that during the Joint Services operations on Sunday August 12, 2012, Superintendent Errol Watts arrested a man at Wismar, Linden, on whose premises a number of cannabis sativa plants (marijuana) was found under cultivation.

In order to maintain the nexus in this matter, the officer travelled out of Linden  to escort the exhibit and subsequent presentation at court.  The suspect is expected to be placed before the court shortly.

At the same time Superintendent Errol Watts will be making preparations to leave the country by weekend to participate in an overseas training programme.