GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Nov. 12, 2026 — President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has warned of intelligence pointing to a possible coordinated criminal conspiracy to target individuals, public and private property, and critical national infrastructure, declaring that those responsible, including organisers, financiers and intellectual authors, will face the full force of the law.
In a national security address to the nation on Thursday, President Ali disclosed that local security agencies, working with international intelligence partners, have obtained what he described as credible intelligence suggesting links between inflammatory statements circulating on social media and planned criminal activities intended to create disorder and undermine national security.
The president’s warning follows Tuesday night’s firebombing of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) substation at Good Hope, East Coast Demerara, and intelligence concerning the possible movement of senior members of the terrorist-designated criminal organisation Tren de Aragua.
Ali said intelligence suggests the possible existence of a centrally coordinated conspiracy to intimidate individuals, damage property, disrupt essential services and economic activity, and threaten public safety.
He said investigators are working to identify those involved in planning, directing, financing or executing any criminal activities.
“I wish to make it clear that all persons implicated, including the intellectual authors, will be pursued,” the president declared.
He warned that individuals found responsible could face charges including conspiracy, aiding and abetting, attempted offences and terrorism-related offences where the necessary legal requirements are established.
The president also expressed concern over what he described as reckless and incendiary statements circulating on social media, particularly those relating to ongoing legal proceedings.
He said some statements contained misleading information and inflammatory allegations that could encourage unlawful conduct and threaten public order.
Ali specifically warned against attempts to organise the burning of tyres, obstruction of public roads, attacks on essential services, destruction of property, threats against public officials and private citizens, and incitement to violence through social media.
He said offences could attract charges under Section 309A of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, including applicable terrorism-related provisions, depending on the evidence and the nature of the alleged conduct.
Turning to Tuesday night’s attack on GPL’s Good Hope substation, the president disclosed that two individuals were captured on surveillance footage throwing Molotov cocktails, commonly called channa bombs, at the facility at approximately 10:45 p.m. on Nov. 10.
The suspects reportedly targeted an electrical transformer before fleeing the scene. No damage to the facility was reported.
Ali described the incident as a serious attack on critical national infrastructure that could have disrupted electricity supplies and endangered public safety.
He further revealed that intelligence obtained from a meeting involving several individuals had alerted security agencies to possible attacks, allowing them to adopt a proactive security posture.
The president also referred to an earlier recorded conversation involving two politically affiliated individuals who allegedly discussed the preparation of incendiary devices.
“That event at Good Hope could have destroyed our electricity supply and threatened public safety,” Ali said.
He disclosed that intelligence suggested the attack on the substation and possible attacks on other locations may have been discussed at a previous meeting.
Investigators are seeking to establish the identities of the two individuals captured on CCTV, whether the attack was coordinated with others, the circumstances surrounding the reported meeting and whether additional facilities or individuals were identified as targets.
The investigation will also seek to determine whether organisers, financiers or other individuals were involved in directing the attack.
Ali said security agencies are reviewing threats to critical infrastructure and implementing preventive measures to protect essential services.
President reaffirms right to peaceful protest
Despite the security concerns, the president reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting constitutional freedoms, including the right to freedom of expression and peaceful protest.
He stressed, however, that those rights do not extend to violence, intimidation, destruction of property or criminal incitement.
“The government recognises and respects the constitutional right of citizens to express their views and engage in lawful and peaceful protests. We recognise this. We value this. This is an important part of our democracy,” Ali said.
He urged citizens to reject calls for violence and refrain from participating in unlawful activities.
Security agencies working with international partners
The president assured Guyanese that the government, Joint Services and national intelligence agencies remain vigilant and are coordinating closely with international partners to address emerging security threats.
He said Guyana’s substantial investments in its national security architecture, combined with strengthened international intelligence cooperation, have enhanced the country’s ability to detect and respond to threats.
“Our collaboration with our international partners are at an extraordinary level, and together, I can assure our public that we will be proactive in ensuring your safety,” Ali said.
He emphasised that Guyana would not be allowed to become a haven for organised criminal networks or permit violence, intimidation and sabotage to undermine national security and economic development.
The president pledged that every credible threat would be investigated and those responsible for criminal conduct would be held accountable in accordance with the law, while ensuring due process and protecting constitutional freedoms.
He concluded by calling on citizens to remain vigilant, peaceful and responsible, cooperate with law enforcement agencies and report suspected criminal activities.
“Law enforcement is your partner. Cooperate with law enforcement. Report any illegal activity, and let us together continue the great, extraordinary, and hard work of keeping our country safe and beautiful,” Ali said.