GEORGETOWN — In a fiery and emotional address, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has vowed that Guyana will not be intimidated or broken in the wake of the deadly bombing at the Mobil Gas Station in Georgetown, an attack he branded a “horrific act of terrorism”.
Speaking before a packed audience at the Guyana Defence Force’s 60th Anniversary Service, President Ali’s tone was defiant as he condemned the explosion that killed six-year-old Soraya Bourne and injured several others, calling it “a violent assault on the people of Guyana.”
“This attack bore all the hallmarks of terrorism,” Ali declared. “It was an attempt to sow fear and chaos , to destabilize our country. But hear me clearly: we will not bow, we will not break, and we will not be intimidated.” The President praised the swift action of the Joint Services, saying their professionalism showed that “even in the face of evil, Guyana stands united and unshaken.”
He assured citizens that the investigation will be deep and uncompromising, promising to hunt down everyone involved “no matter where the trail leads.” Authorities have confirmed that Venezuelan national Daniel Alexander Ramirez Peodomo, the alleged mastermind behind the attack, has confessed to planting the bomb that tore through the gas station last Sunday night.
The blast also injured Jenica Hooper (27), Yvonne Jonas (71), Seddia McIntosh, and 11-year-old Reshard Lord. Security officials say Peodomo entered Guyana illegally by boat on the same day as the explosion and may be linked to the R Organization, a notorious Venezuelan gang.
Investigators are probing transnational links as part of a widening counter-terror operation involving INTERPOL and regional partners.Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond confirmed that the government will seek the death penalty for the main suspect under Guyana’s anti-terrorism laws, which prescribe capital punishment when such acts cause loss of life.
President Ali also urged calm, warning citizens against turning fear into hatred or xenophobia. “Yes, we must secure our borders and tighten our systems,” he said, “but we must not paint all immigrants with the same brush. Many come here seeking refuge, not destruction.”The Head of State reaffirmed that Guyana will remain a compassionate nation, but one that will “strike hard against any threat to its peace or sovereignty.”
“We are going deep, broad, and hard to the bottom of this,” he said. “To those who believe they can strike fear into the hearts of Guyanese, you will fail. The spirit of our people cannot be broken.”
All nine suspects remain in custody as the High Court granted investigators additional time to pursue leads, conduct forensic examinations, and verify regional intelligence.
Security has been heightened at border crossings and key installations nationwide.As the nation grieves the death of young Soraya, President Ali made one thing clear: Guyana will not be cowed by terror, and justice will be relentless.
