By Vernon Daley, Staff Reporter 
GEORGETOWN, Guyana:
VIOLENCE BROKE out in the capital of Guyana yesterday, leaving two persons dead and several others injured. The rioting sparked concerns about the security of the region's leaders who are here for the annual CARICOM summit.
The usually busy commercial centre of Georgetown was gripped with fear, as merchants pulled down their shutters and anxious residents scurried to get home, following clashes between protesters and the security forces.
Police confirmed yesterday that at about midday, two people were shot and killed and five others injured when protesters invaded the office of President Bharrat Jagdeo, located in the capital. According to the police, the group of about 30 protesters stormed the complex, assaulting guards and robbing staff members.
"A confrontation took place in the Accounts Department during which two of the protesters were fatally shot," the police said.
Shortly after the incident, angry residents marched through the streets. One store was looted and razed in the heart of the capital. The police, armed with high-powered rifles, rushed to the scene firing warning shots and ordering by-standers to disperse.
Yesterday's violent clashes stemmed from protests carried out by groups loyal to the Desmond Hoyte-led Opposition People's National Congress (PNC). The protesters have complained about a number of issues from the Government's handling of the economy to corruption. The CARICOM summit, which officially got under way yesterday, was being used by protesters to highlight their concerns for regional leaders.
The protests and subsequent violence took place while the 13 leaders were meeting with regional society groups at the Ocean View hotel in the capital.
With the unrest sweeping the country, fears were expressed for the safety of the regional leaders, who are staying at Le Meridien Pegasus Hotel. The hotel is about three miles from where yesterday's violence took place.
However, late in the evening security was beefed up for the ceremonial opening of the summit which took place at the National Cultural Centre.
