Terror suspects in gas station bombing remanded

Seven people were on Wednesday remanded to prison after being charged in connection with the October 26 explosion at the Mobil Gas Station at Regent and King Streets, Georgetown.
Those charged have been identified as Guyanese nationals Wayne Corriea; Ramesh Pramdeo, 51, a taxi driver of Tuschen New Housing Scheme; and Krystal LaCruz, 33, a bar owner of Tuschen, West Coast Demerara. The Venezuelan nationals charged are Daniel Alexander Ramirez Poedemo, called “Kynny,” 33, of Vista Al Sol, San Felix, Venezuela; Jennifer Rodriguez, 33, unemployed, of Vergenoegen, West Coast Demerara; Johnny Boodram, 37, a taxi driver; and Alexander Bettancourt, called “Mathew,” 44, a speedboat operator of Baramita, Venezuela.
Poedemo was charged with terrorism, contrary to Section 3(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01. Meanwhile, Bettancourt, LaCruz, and Boodram were charged with aiding and abetting Poedemo.
They appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty in Court One at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Additionally, Pramdeo, Corriea, and Rodriguez appeared before Magistrate Alicia George, who presided virtually in Court Six.
According to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), legal advice was sought and obtained from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) before the charges were filed, following what the Force described as a “comprehensive investigation.”
In a statement, the GPF said the probe was conducted “with professionalism, integrity, and strict adherence to due process”. The force reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting citizens, and ensuring public safety, while thanking the public and partner agencies for their cooperation throughout the investigation.