GEORGETOWN — In the wake of Sunday night’s deadly explosion at the Mobil Gas Station on Regent and King Streets, Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond announced that government will fast-track the rollout of Guyana’s Electronic Identification (E-ID) card system as part of a wider effort to strengthen border control and track undocumented migrants.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Minister Walrond said the government recognizes that Guyana’s porous borders have made it increasingly difficult to monitor cross-border movement, especially amid recent security concerns. The E-ID system, she said, will play a critical role in ensuring that all foreign nationals in Guyana are registered and identifiable.
“We are aware that our borders can be easily breached,” Walrond told the media. “The E-ID system will help us monitor and manage migrants already here and ensure that anyone entering Guyana does so legally through designated ports of entry.”
Her comments followed confirmation by police that the prime suspect in the bombing, identified as Venezuelan national Daniel Alexander Ramirez Peodomo, allegedly entered Guyana illegally by boat on the morning of the explosion, carrying the device that later detonated near the Mobil station.
Eight other individuals have also been arrested in connection with the attack and are reportedly assisting investigators. Minister Walrond said the E-ID initiative will create a secure digital identity platform, distinguishing citizens from non-citizens and linking key personal records such as taxpayer information, banking, and immigration data.
She explained that foreign nationals will be required to register within a grace period or face deportation and other penalties. “What we will do is give those here illegally a grace period to come forward and register for the E-ID card,” she said. “After that period, persons who fail to register will face sanctions.”
The E-ID card, she emphasized, will soon become a requirement for accessing both government and private sector services. “Without this card, non-citizens will not be able to access any services,” Walrond cautioned.Officials say the application process will be simple, allowing users to book appointments online or at authorized service centres, submit necessary documents, and collect the card once processing is complete.
The system’s acceleration follows growing national anxiety over security lapses at Guyana’s borders, underscored by the recent attack that claimed the life of six-year-old Soraya Bourne and left several others injured. According to government sources, the E-ID project, originally part of the country’s digital transformation plan, is now being treated as a national security priority to prevent future incidents involving unregistered or illegal entrants.
