GEORGETOWN, Guyana — The Government of Guyana announced Tuesday that it will pursue the death penalty for Venezuelan national Daniel Alexander Ramirez Peodomo, who has confessed to detonating a bomb at a Mobil fuel station in downtown Georgetown, killing 8-year-old Soraya Bourne and injuring four others.
Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond said prosecutors will charge Peodomo under Sections 39A and 39B of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, which address terrorism and conspiracy to commit terrorism — both punishable by death.
“A young innocent child has been murdered,” Walrond said at a late-night press conference. “Had this man been able to put that device in that bin, more lives would’ve been lost. One Guyanese life is still too much. Yes, I am absolutely sure that our Commander-in-Chief and my President will sign off on that order.”
Guyana’s counter-terrorism framework stems from the Anti-Terrorism and Terrorist-Related Activities Act 2015 and amendments to the Criminal Law (Offences) Act 2002, both of which define a terrorist act as the use of explosives or weapons with intent to cause death, serious injury, or disruption of essential services.
Under the law, any terrorist act resulting in death is punishable by death. The legislation also empowers authorities to detain suspects, seize assets, and collaborate with foreign security agencies. Guyana complements this with the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act 2009, aligning its system with global counter-terrorism standards.
Authorities said Peodomo entered Guyana legally by boat from Venezuela on the same day of the October 26 attack, then triggered the explosive near the gas station before fleeing. He was arrested two days later in a police operation at Vergenoegen Sideline Dam, East Bank Essequibo. Nine other suspects, including Venezuelans and Guyanese, are being held for questioning.
Police believe Peodomo has links to a Venezuelan gang known as “R,” which is affiliated with the Syndicato criminal network. Investigators are working with Interpol and Venezuelan authorities to determine whether the bombing was part of a wider organized network or a lone-wolf operation.
Minister Walrond said President Mohamed Irfaan Ali has been briefed and has directed that full government support be given to the victims’ families. The mother of young Soraya Bourne has received assurances of assistance for funeral arrangements and recovery needs.
Following the confession, Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken ordered enhanced patrols across the capital and along border regions, describing the incident as “a deliberate act of terror aimed at destabilizing public safety.”
“Within less than 72 hours we had a major breakthrough,” Walrond added. “This demonstrates that the government’s investment in modern technology and intelligence-led policing is delivering real results.”
Authorities said Guyana will remain on heightened alert as regional partners assist in tracing possible cross-border links to the attack.