by JP Schwmon #SituationUpdates
Rise Hairouna, one of the organisations that led the charge in the recent series of protest actions across Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, is again inviting “all concerned Vincentians” to voice their collective disapproval of sundry issues in front of the Kingstown-based House of Assembly, at noon, on Friday January 14, 2022.
A release from the “nonpartisan, citizen-powered, grassroots movement”, published on Tuesday January 10, issued the call to action in response to what organizers describe as “the social injustices taking place in our nation.”
This latest dissent ought to have spanned 4 days beginning on Wednesday January 12, at noon. Asbert News Network understands that a less than ideal turnout on day one prompted the NGO to regroup. As such the intervening days would be spent mobilizing demonstrators from around the country.
Protestors inclusive of “farmers, fisher folk, small businesses, civil servants who were fired due to the vaccine mandate, those who have been victimized and oppressed, all NGOS and all political parties” are amongst the social groupings called to join Rise Hairouna “in solidarity”.
Participants in Friday’s protest action are expected to gather in objection to a range of issues including: “Sexual assault and rape of our innocent children; vaccine mandates and the unjust and unfair dismissal of hundreds of hard working civil servants across St. Vincent and the Grenadines; political victimization and oppression by the ruling ULP Government; the poor state of our economy, high rates of unemployment and increasing crime and violence; an unfair and one-sided justice system in St. Vincent and the Grenadines [which is particularly impacting on Cornelius John and Rohan Simmons]; lack of accountability and transparency [exemplified by] the missing $95 million from the peoples’ treasury and fear tactics, intimidation and police brutality.”
The media release also noted: “We believe that we are at a critical point in the history of our country where the voices of the people must be heard…. Rise Hairouna urges all Vincentians to unite as one in the defense of human rights and in support of our brothers and sisters who are suffering under a wicked and brutal dictatorship. United we stand, always!”
All are asked to wear masks even as the organisers have undertaken to provide masks and hand sanitizers throughout Friday’s protest.
“Bring a bell, pots, spoons, pans [and] whistles. Let your voices be heard”, one social media promotional flyer urged.