As investigations continue into Sunday’s deadly terror attack in Georgetown, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has announced heightened security measures nationwide, while the Central Government has pledged to intensify its crackdown on illegal immigration.
Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken told a news conference on Tuesday that Joint Services patrols will be intensified across the country, while security measures at border locations have also been reinforced.
Daniel Alexander Ramirez Peodomo, a Venezuelan national, linked to one of that country’s most notorious criminal networks – the R Organization (Organización R) – illegally entered Guyana via a boat on Sunday morning.
Later that evening, he planted a remove-controlled bomb at the Mobil Gas Station in the capital city, which he detonated, shortly after leaving the premises.
The blast killed a six-year-old girl, injured others, and caused significant destruction to multiple properties.
Peodomo has since been arrested and has confessed to the crime, but police officials say they are still investigating the motive behind the attack.
A total of nine individuals were arrested in connection with the crime and investigations so far revealed that Peodomo was assisted by both Venezuelans and Guyanese in the country.
The explosive device, the suspected terrorist told investigators, was brought in the country from Venezuela.
In light of these developments, Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond said the government will be cracking down on illegal immigration.
She said illegal immigrants in the country will be given a grace period to become registered, after which, they will be “taken out of the country”.
“Venezuelan migrants who come here through our ports, they’re all registered, their details are taken however, we have acknowledged that the borders are porous and some people do enter illegally and to address that, the government has launched the e-ID programme,” Minister Walrond told reporters on Tuesday.
The Government of Guyana in 2023 signed a US$35.4 million contract with German-based company, Veridos Identity Solutions for the implementation of the national electronic ID.
The e-ID card is intended to ensure holders have streamlined access to government services and healthcare services. Under the programme, there will be distinct cards for citizens and non-citizens.
Though she did not disclose any specific details, Minister Walrond said persons who are illegally in the country will be given a grace period to secure their e-IDs.
“After that grace period has expired and you’re not registered, and have an e-id card, you will be taken out of the country and other sanctions would be implemented,” the minister affirmed.
New electronic ID cards to make it easier to track foreigners in Guyana – Jagdeo
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