Bottle bomb thrown at GPSU base
POLICE are investigating an attempt to burn down the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) headquarters in Georgetown after extremists opposed to the end of strike agreement attacked leaders and stoned the building Wednesday night. Police said yesterday they were investigating an incident which occurred about 21:15 hours Wednesday when a molotov cocktail (bottle bomb) was thrown into the bottom flat of the complex at Regent and New Garden Streets. A Police press release said a small fire resulted but it was extinguished by the security guard on duty. The western section of the floor was slightly scorched. No arrests have been made and investigations are continuing. Extremists and others attacked the building with stones Wednesday night charging that union President, Mr. Patrick Yarde had sold them out by signing the terms of resumption agreement ending the strike. Yarde was holed up in the building for several hours before he and others were eventually slipped through a door. The Chronicle understands Yarde lay flat on the floor of a mini-bus that raced away after the crowd set upon it, ripping off a door in the attack. The GPSU building was deserted yesterday but smashed windows were being replaced. General Secretary, Mr. Lawrence Mentis was reportedly in Linden. First Vice-President, Dr. Anwar Hussein was also not at the union hall yesterday. Police said there were no incidents there or elsewhere in Georgetown yesterday, although cops were maintaining a close watch on the situation. Mentis told the Chronicle Wednesday that the union General Council which was adjourned from Tuesday evening to Wednesday morning, took a majority decision that the proposals tentatively agreed upon by the mediation team and the parties, were favourable and that they should be accepted. As a result of the council's decision, the strike was called off and workers advised or instructed to report for duty not later than Tuesday. "The reactions of the workers were mixed...most of the people who were rejecting it were non-members...rejecting from the union hall and the road outside the compound," he said. Mentis claimed some people who were ignorant of how industrial relations operate did not take the General Council decision lightly.
Timetable Day 1 - Signing of agreement Day 6 - Full resumption of work Day 10 - Appointment of tribunal Day 70 - Submission of arbitration award
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