President Dr. Irfaan Ali has disclosed that intelligence gathered by security agencies points to a possible centrally coordinated criminal conspiracy targeting critical national infrastructure, individuals and essential services, following a deliberate attack on the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) substation at Good Hope, East Coast Demerara.
In a national security address today, the commander in chief of the armed forces revealed that authorities had obtained intelligence about possible criminal activities before two individuals attacked the GPL facility at approximately 10:45 p.m. on Tuesday, November 10.
President Ali said CCTV footage captured the suspects throwing Molotov cocktails, commonly known as Channa bombs, apparently targeting an electrical transformer before fleeing the scene. Although no damage was reported, he warned that the attack could have disrupted electricity supply and endangered public safety.
The head of state also disclosed that information obtained from individuals who attended an organised meeting had allowed security agencies to take preventive measures ahead of the incident.
“I want to make it clear that provisions were made based on intelligence gathered from an organised meeting by persons who attended that meeting on these possible activities, and that allowed us to be proactive in our security posture,” he stated.
More concerning, the President said intelligence suggests that the attack on the Good Hope facility, along with possible attacks on other locations, may have been discussed at the meeting.
Investigators are now seeking to identify the perpetrators, determine whether the attack was coordinated with others, and establish whether additional facilities or individuals were identified as potential targets.
The investigation is also examining the possible involvement of organisers, financiers and what the President described as the “intellectual authors” of criminal activities.
Credible intelligence
President Ali further disclosed that security agencies had obtained credible intelligence suggesting links between certain inflammatory statements circulating on social media and planned criminal activities targeting individuals and public and private property.
He said intelligence indicates the possible existence of a centrally coordinated conspiracy intended to intimidate individuals, damage property, disrupt essential services and economic activity, and undermine national security.
The President also referred to a recorded conversation involving two individuals he described as politically affiliated, allegedly discussing the preparation of Molotov cocktails days before the GPL attack.
He warned that anyone found responsible for planning, directing, financing or executing criminal acts would be pursued and prosecuted where sufficient evidence exists.
Potential charges, he explained, could include conspiracy, aiding and abetting, attempted offences and terrorism-related offences under the applicable laws, including Section 309A of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act.
“All perpetrators, including intellectual authors, will be pursued relentlessly with the fullness of the law,” President Ali declared.
The Head of State stressed that while the government fully respects the constitutional rights of citizens to freedom of expression and peaceful protest, those rights do not extend to violence, intimidation, destruction of property or criminal incitement.
He also warned against attempts to exploit ongoing judicial proceedings or public concerns to encourage unlawful activities, including burning tyres, obstructing roadways, threatening individuals and attacking essential infrastructure.
President Ali assured the nation that the Joint Services, intelligence agencies and international security partners remain vigilant and are taking coordinated action to address potential threats.
“Guyana will not be allowed to become a haven for organised criminal networks, nor will violence, intimidation, or sabotage be permitted to undermine our national security, economic development, or the safety of our citizens,” he declared.
He urged citizens to remain peaceful, vigilant and responsible, and to report suspicious or unlawful activities to the authorities as investigations continue.
