Ali’s security warning was essential

November 13, 20263 min read

Dear Editor,

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s November 12 national security address was not just timely; it was an urgent necessity to protect our country from chaos. When intelligence agencies uncover a coordinated plot to attack citizens, destroy property, and cripple essential services, the Head of State must act firmly.

In his speech, the President exposed the real danger facing Guyana. He pointed directly to the November 10 firebombing attempt at the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) substation in Good Hope^[1]. Attackers used incendiary devices against a live transformer, threatening to cut power to over 220,000 citizens. He also detailed a wider campaign of disruption, including burning tyres, blocking public roads, threatening officials and citizens, and using social media to spark violence.

To see why the President had to draw a hard line, we only need to look at the recent actions of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party. Over the past month, WIN has repeatedly chosen street disruption over the rule of law.

In mid-October, WIN leaders staged protests outside the Canadian High Commission and the U.S. Embassy to pressure foreign diplomats over local police matters.^[2] By late October, WIN demonstrators gathered near State House during a royal visit to disrupt state events.

After WIN leader Azruddin Mohamed was remanded on October 30 for cybercrime charges^[3], this pattern of disruption turned into open lawlessness. In early November, WIN-aligned protests outside the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts erupted into violent clashes with police. Crowds knocked down barricades on Brickdam, set fires in Stabroek Market Square, and forced businesses on Robb Street to close out of fear. Even worse, social media pages linked to the movement called for Georgetown to be burned, and live streams outside the court featured talk of creating improvised explosives.

This steady climb from street protests to firebombing critical power infrastructure proves why President Ali’s intervention was vital.

The President reminded us of a simple truth. Our Constitution protects peaceful protest and free speech, but it never protects violence, arson, or criminal threats. By warning the “intellectual authors,” planners, and financiers of sabotage that they face severe charges under Section 309A of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act and terrorism laws, the President sent a clear message.

Personal legal battles and political agendas will never be allowed to hold Guyana hostage.

Law enforcement now has a clear mandate to crush these plots before innocent lives are lost.

Every law-abiding citizen should stand behind this decisive defence of peace and order.

Yours faithfully,
Henry Singh

References

Update: Police hunting 3 others in Good Hope substation firebombing; suspect in custody says second attack planned - Guyana Inquirer – Daily Guyana News

guyanainquirer.com, Nov 13, 2026

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has one suspect in custody and is actively pursuing three perpetrators in connection with the firebombing of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) substation at Good Hope, East Coast Demerara, on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. This development follows information obtained during an interview conducted on Thursday, November 12, 2026, with the suspect in custody, who reportedly provided details concerning the planning and execution of the attack. According to information provided during the interview, the attack was carried out by the suspect in custody and an accomplice, while two other criminal elements were reportedly involved in arranging and coordinating the operation. Investigators are consequently pursuing the alleged accomplice and the two other criminal elements identified during the investigation, bringing the number being sought to three. Of particular concern, the suspect in custody reportedly disclosed that his accomplice indicated that another attack would be perpetrated in Georgetown in the near future. The Guyana Police Force is treating this information seriously as investigators continue their efforts to track down the alleged perpetrators and establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident. Members of the public with information concerning the incident or the whereabouts of those being sought are urged to contact the nearest Police Station or call 911, 225-6411 or 227-1149. All information received will be treated with the strictest confidence. Investigations are ongoing.

Mohamed Leads Protest at US, Canadian Missions, Demands Probe into October 12 Shooting

villagevoicenews.com, Oct 23, 2026

As King Charles Visits Guyana, Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed Is Remanded To Prison - St. Lucia Chronicle – Daily St Lucia News

stluciachronicle.com, Oct 30, 2026

30 October 2026 Guyana Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed was remanded to prison on a cybercrime charge as King Charles III completed a two-day State Visit to the country. News Americas Now, GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Fri. Oct. 30, 2026: As King Charles III wrapped up a two-day State Visit to Guyana on Friday, the country’s Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed was remanded to prison in a cybercrime case linked to leaked government surveillance footage. Mohamed and Police Constable Ryan Greene were both denied bail at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court on the East Coast of Demerara, and remanded until Nov. 24. The pair face a charge under Guyana’s Cybercrime Act stemming from allegations that Greene accessed surveillance footage from the Guyana Police Force’s Command Centre and transferred it to Mohamed in exchange for GY$800,000. Prosecutors argued that the alleged conduct raised concerns about witness interference and further obstruction of justice, while Magistrate Abigail Gibbs cited Mohamed’s other ongoing legal matters in refusing bail. Mohamed’s attorneys immediately announced plans to challenge the decision in the High Court. Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde said there was “absolutely no basis” for refusing bail and accused the government of persecuting his client. The defense also challenged the prosecution’s characterization of the leaked footage as a national-security matter. Greene’s attorney, Darren Wade, argued that video showing events on public streets in Georgetown should not qualify as electronic data relating to national security. The charge stems from surveillance footage connected to an Oct. 12 shooting involving Mohamed and Senior Superintendent Prem Narine, head of the Guyana Police Force’s Special Branch. Mohamed has repeatedly described the incident as an attempted assassination and publicly screened more than 20 minutes of surveillance video that he says supports his account. Guyana Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed has been arrested for the fourth time in weeks as police investigate an alleged payment for government surveillance footage. Police dispute that characterization. Mohamed, his driver, and another staff member were previously charged with firearm, ammunition, and obstruction-related offenses arising from the same incident and were granted bail. The Guyana Police allege Greene later downloaded the surveillance footage and provided it to Mohamed for payment. Those allegations have not yet been proven in court. ... Friday’s decision means Guyana’s opposition leader will remain behind bars unless a higher court grants bail. His attorneys have indicated they are prepared to take the matter through Guyana’s appellate courts and, if necessary, to the Caribbean Court of Justice. The cybercrime case now sits alongside Mohamed’s other pending legal proceedings, including separate firearm-related charges and extradition proceedings involving a request from the United States.

Sources

Ali’s security warning was essential in Guyana Times, November 13, 2026
Ali’s security warning was essential in Guyana Chronicle, November 13, 2026