Rioters climbing the walls of the US Capitol Building in Washington DCIn a brief and carefully worded statement prime minister Rowley said: "The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is deeply saddened and concerned at the unprecedented scenes that unfolded at the Capitol Building in Washington DC, USA, during the certification of the votes of the presidential elections by the US Congress.

"The storming of the US Congress was a gross affront to democracy and the rule of law in a country which has been viewed as a leading light of representative governance the world over."

The statement from the 15 member community chairman  concluded by saying "CARICOM looks forward to the restoration of order and the continuation of the process of transfer of power in a peaceful manner."

Five persons including a member of the Capitol police force died in the attempted coup and an investigation has been launched to determine culpability.

More than 90 people have been arrested since Wednesday when loyalists to outgoing President Donald Trump disrupted lawmakers as they met to confirm the Electoral College results and President-elect Joe Biden’s victory. People on social media have been trying to identify rioters photographed or filmed at the Capitol Wednesday, pressuring companies that employ them to fire them.

In tghe meantime, Democrats in Congress have already made plans for swift impeachment of Donald Trump, demanding decisive, immediate action to ensure an “unhinged” commander in chief can’t add to the damage they say he’s inflicted or even ignite nuclear war in his final days in office.

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