GEORGETOWN, Guyana — President Irfaan Ali has vowed that authorities “will get to the bottom” of Sunday’s deadly bombing at the Mobil Gas Station on Regent and King Streets, calling it a vile act of terrorism that will not intimidate or divide the nation.
The attack, which killed six-year-old Soraya Bourne and injured several others, has been condemned across Guyana and the region. Nine persons, including the prime suspect — a Venezuelan national — are in police custody.
Speaking Friday morning at the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) 60th Anniversary Interfaith Service at the National Cultural Centre, President Ali, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, assured citizens that justice will be swift and comprehensive.
“That cowardly act, which claimed the life of an innocent child, was a vile assault on the people — an attempt to create harm and fear. This attack bore all the hallmarks of terrorism. It was an attempt to sow fear and chaos, to destabilize, to create tension. And we will get to the bottom of it,” he declared.
President Ali, who was overseas on official government business when the bombing occurred, said Guyana would not be broken or bow to those seeking to spread fear.
“We will not be intimidated. We will not bow. We will not be broken,” he said to resounding applause. “To those who believe they can strike fear into the hearts of Guyanese, I say this — you will fail. You will fail because the spirit of our people cannot be terrorized.”
He lauded the swift and coordinated response of law enforcement authorities and the joint services, including the GDF, describing their professionalism as evidence of the nation’s resilience.
“The professionalism and response remind us that in the face of evil, Guyana stands united and unshaken,” the President said. “The investigation will continue. The motives behind this heinous act will come to light. We will pursue justice relentlessly and take every lawful measure to protect our people.”
President Ali further announced that security systems for screening and monitoring foreign nationals will be strengthened, but cautioned citizens against xenophobia.
“We must not allow our justifiable outrage to lead us down a path of prejudice or discrimination. Guyana has long been a land where immigrants come seeking refuge from hardship and torment, not to endanger us,” he noted. “Hatred is not the answer to hatred. Fear must not drive our national policy. Guyana will remain a compassionate nation, but one that is also vigilant, strong, and aggressive in the protection of its citizens and sovereignty.”
Police investigations have since confirmed that the suspected bomber, Daniel Alexander Ramirez Peodomo, is linked to Venezuela’s notorious R Organization (Organización R) criminal network. Authorities said Peodomo entered Guyana illegally by boat on Sunday morning, just hours before planting the explosive device.
Peodomo, who reportedly confessed to the crime, told investigators that the bomb was brought from Venezuela, and images of the device were recovered from his mobile phone. Police believe he was assisted by both Venezuelan and Guyanese nationals, all of whom remain in custody as investigations continue.
President Ali reaffirmed that the government will pursue every lead to ensure accountability and justice for the victims.
“We are going deep, broad, and hard to the bottom of this,” he said. “The safety and security of our citizens are paramount. This is non-negotiable.”