ByTravis Chase | HGP Nightly News|
— The legal proceedings following the devastating Regent Street gas station explosion have reached a critical procedural milestone. On Wednesday, Magistrate Faith McGusty scheduled March 10, 2026, for the commencement of paper committal proceedings for four of the seven individuals charged in connection with the October 2025 attack.
The explosion, which occurred at the Mobil Fuel Station, claimed the life of six-year-old Soraya Bourne and sent shockwaves through the capital. Authorities have since categorized the incident as a coordinated act of terrorism.
Language Barrier Delays Disclosure
During the court appearance, Police Prosecutor Mandel Moore informed the court of a minor delay regarding one of the accused, taxi driver Johnny Boodram. While Boodram is fluent in spoken English, he is unable to read the language. Consequently, the prosecution is currently translating his written statements to ensure he fully understands the evidence against him. These documents are expected to be served to the defense shortly.
The Move to Paper Committal
The prosecution has formally applied to bypass a traditional preliminary inquiry in favor of a paper committal. Under this modernized legal process:
- Written Evidence: The court will review written witness statements and forensic exhibits rather than hearing live oral testimony.
- Efficiency: This method is designed to expedite the transition of high-profile cases to the High Court for trial.
- Magisterial Role: Magistrate McGusty clarified that her primary function is to determine the admissibility of the evidence and whether a prima facie case exists to warrant a full trial.
“The charges extend beyond allegations of terrorism,” Magistrate McGusty noted, reminding the court of the gravity of the case, which includes actions resulting in the tragic death of a young child.
The Accused and Their Roles
A total of seven people have been charged, with four appearing in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday:
- Daniel Poedemo (Alexander Ramirez-Pedermo): A Venezuelan national identified by investigators as the alleged mastermind behind the planting of the explosive device.
- Alexander Bettencourt: A Venezuelan national charged in connection with the coordination of the attack.
- Johnny Boodram & LaCruz: Guyanese nationals allegedly involved in the logistics of the operation.
The remaining three suspects—Wayne Correia, Ramesh Pramdeo, and Jennifer Rodriguez—face charges of aiding and abetting and are currently appearing in other magisterial districts.
