At the regular weekly press briefing at the party's Congress Place headquarters in Georgetown, Chairman Mr. Robert Corbin said the protest march which began from Belladrum West Coast Berbice, was organised by the People's Solidarity Movement. He said the movement which comprises a number of concerned citizens from several villages along the East Coast Demerara, was joined by PNC/R supporters in the protest march that ended up in Georgetown, but unfortunately it was infiltrated by `criminal elements'.

During the march several persons were attacked and robbed and two of those who stormed the Presidential Complex were shot dead by Police. The protesters also set on fire two vehicles and burnt two Regent Street stores.

Corbin said Bynoe is not a member of the PNC/R and is not permitted to represent the party's interest when it comes to staging protest marches in the city.

"Anyone knowing the structure of the party will know Bynoe is not a leader within the party", he said.

According to Corbin, the group had applied to the Commissioner of Police for permission to conduct a protest march on Wednesday, but did not get a response. He said the protesters who were already organised, went ahead and proceeded to the city.

Corbin contended that because law enforcement officers were not present to monitor the march, the situation erupted into chaos.

"Notwithstanding the fact that our people are hurting, we cannot condone the death and destruction that took place (Wednesday). We wish to convey our deepest sympathy to the families of those who were killed, those injured, and who were beaten and had their business places looted and destroyed", he said.

PNC/R leader, Mr. Desmond Hoyte who returned home Wednesday night after undergoing medical check-ups in the U.S., said his party had planned to stage a four-day march which was due to begin yesterday. However, the march did not go on because up to yesterday, the Police had not responded to the application, he said.

In view of the CARICOM Summit being held in Georgetown, Hoyte said the Police would see that as the ideal circumstance to justify refusal of permission for any march.