A confrontation occurred in Lima Sands between PPP/C supporters and businessman Azruddin Mohamed as he attempted to hold a community meeting. Protesters opposed his outreach, indicating dissatisfaction with the government’s response to local issues. The heated exchanges revealed significant frustration among residents regarding infrastructure and services, underscoring the contentious political climate ahead of elections.
Tensions escalated between supporters of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and businessman Azruddin Mohamed during a recent community meeting in Lima Sands, Region Two. Approximately 100 residents gathered for this outreach effort, part of Mohamed’s pre-election campaign, aimed at connecting with local constituents and understanding their concerns. However, the atmosphere grew charged as confrontations erupted involving current PPP/C Member of Parliament Nandranie Coonjah and her supporters.
Around 15 PPP/C activists protested at the community’s entrance, using placards and loudspeakers to oppose Mohamed’s presence. One male protestor claimed, “Just to remind you, all of you people that Mr. Mohamed has been sanctioned by the US— I know you are very thankful to the President and the Vice President of this country for the tremendous support you have been given to you…” Another protestor urged attendees to remove Mohamed from the area, insisting, “Pay your tax! Everybody get Mohamed out of Lima Sands, chase him, get him out!”
During the heated confrontation, MP Coonjah attempted to document the scene, which only intensified the verbal exchanges. Insults were exchanged between Coonjah and the residents, leading to her departure from the meeting area. The gathering, which was supposed to start at 2 PM, was delayed until 5 PM due to protestor opposition but ultimately continued until 9 PM. Mohamed stated that citizens had been waiting since 1 PM for the meeting, which was hampered by the protest.
A video shared on Team Mohamed’s official Facebook page captured significant moments, including a resident’s encouragement for him to run for office, saying, “Mr. Mohamed, if you are running, every one of us here will support you because the people in Lima Sands, we have a lot of issues. The ministers, none of them in office, don’t come into Lima. Since this road finished, nobody came to see what’s going on.” The discourse highlighted ongoing frustrations regarding infrastructure and basic services, such as water supply, with residents voicing their disappointment in the government’s response to their needs.
In summary, the events in Lima Sands reflect a growing dissatisfaction among residents towards the current administration regarding service provision and infrastructure development, highlighting the political tensions trailing the upcoming election. Azruddin Mohamed’s outreach has evidently stirred significant local sentiment, both in support and opposition, illustrating the contentious political landscape in the region.
The escalating tensions in Lima Sands reveal significant community frustrations regarding local representation and government responsiveness to essential services. Azruddin Mohamed’s efforts to connect with residents amid opposition from PPP/C supporters underscore the charged political climate leading into the upcoming elections. The incidents at the gathering exemplify the community’s demand for accountability from their elected officials and highlight pressing infrastructural issues that remain unaddressed. Moving forward, addressing these sentiments may prove crucial for political candidates seeking support in the region.
Original Source: www.stabroeknews.com