Is Guyana under the threat of terrorism?

November 14, 20262 min read

Dear Editor,

If someone should ask the question, “Is Guyana under the ominous cloud of terrorism?” then my answer to that question would be most certainly, “It is!” I made that remark to the president when on an outreach programme in Berbice; my exact words were, “Guyana is in dangerous times, and we should be on the alert, but the answer he gave was far removed from my statement, the reasons being he was all riled up to defend a few corrupt party officials in the region. So, when he gave the recent advisory that there are threats to national security^[1], I was pleasantly surprised to know that reality has finally dawned on him that we are indeed living in dangerous times. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know that domestic terrorism is in motion, and I have narrowed down this diabolical process into two phases, that is, pre- and post-election 2025.

The series of violent and disruptive incidents did not happen randomly or by chance; instead, these acts follow a calculated step-by-step strategy, designed by the perpetrators to create mayhem in society.

Phase One: you may recall that there was the bombing of the East Ruimveldt Police Station^[2]; this was meant to send a statement to local law enforcement that subversives are here in our midst, willing and able to create strife. The presence of international observers somewhat defused the real effects of the violent onslaught; too many eyes were around.

Phase Two: post-election. A Venezuelan, not knowing a word of English, could walk into this country to plant a bomb at a gasoline station in the heart of town; the intent was to kill and create mass casualties. The Venezuelan, not fluent in English and having no knowledge of the terrain, tells anyone with even half a brain that he was brought into this country by intellectual author(s) to carry out this sadistic attack.

The sinking of the MV Barima – was this another act of sabotage? How did that ship go under?

The discussion at a political protest rally of the making of Molotov cocktails, “Channa bombs” and their use in subversive terrorist attacks.^[3] This was actually carried out at The Hope GPL Electrical Substation when CCTV footage shows the perpetrators making a hasty retreat after carrying out that violent attack.^[4] Again, the question is asked, who are the masterminds, planners or instigators behind these violent acts of crime? Like the Venezuelan, were the latest perpetrators paid assassins?

Clearly, in all of these occurrences there is a logical sequence: what is taking place in Guyana is the vengeful actions of those who have no regard for human life and have no care for the peace and safety of others. Guyana has now become an unsafe place where terrorists and saboteurs roam free; therefore, the president was within his rights as head of state to issue that advisory. We are not only called to be on the lookout for saboteurs and assassins, but as a nation we are called to be on high alert as we try to maintain some semblance of peace and stability in our country.

Finally, Guyana must remain a Zone Of Peace, and every effort must be summoned to achieve this end.

Yours respectfully,
Neil Adams

References

President warns of major security threats against Guyana and online conspiracy to ignite violence - News Source Guyana

newssourcegy.com, Nov 12, 2026

By News Source Guyana on November 12, 2026 In a national broadcast this afternoon, President Irfaan Ali announced that international enforcement partners and local intelligence agencies are currently being engaged after intelligence received points to major security threats targeting individuals and government and private properties in the country. While the President did not provide any detail of the intelligence he said was received, he explained that based on information received, there is the possible existence of a centrally coordinated conspiracy intended to harm or intimate individuals, disrupt essential services and economic activity and create disorder and undermine national security in the country. “These matters are under active investigation including efforts to establish the identities, roles and involvements of those responsible for planning, directing, financing or executing any criminal act. I wish to make it clear, that all persons implicated, including the intellectual authors, will be pursued and where the evidence supports prosecution, the appropriate charges will be made,” the President noted. The President said the government will not permit individuals to exploit public concern or ongoing judicial proceedings as a pretext for violence or criminal activities, noting that public order and criminal incitement and terrorist acts will not be tolerated. “I wish to make it clear that law enforcement agencies will act decisively to protect citizens, preserve public order, safeguard critical national infrastructure and uphold the rule of love. Incendiary statements and suspected organized criminal conspiracy is not going to be taken lightly,” the President noted. According to the President, the government has taken serious note of “reckless and incendiary” statements circulating on social media including statements relating to ongoing legal proceedings. He said those statement risk unlawful conduct, and law enforcement is particularly concerned about attempts to encourage or organize unlawful activities including burning tires and obstructing public roadways, sabotaging public or private property, inciting violence through social media, threatening public officials, private citizens or their families. “Those who plan, direct, finance, assist or execute criminal acts will be held accountable under the law, where the necessary legal elements are established, offences may attract charges under Section 309 A of the Criminal Law Offences including applicable terrorism related provisions and such offences can carry severe criminal penalties,” the President noted. The President said the Government recognises and respect citizens rights to express their views and engage in lawful and peaceful protest, but he said those rights do not extend to intimidation and destruction of properties. He urged citizens to reject calls for violence and to refuse instructions to participate in unlawful activities. The President said the attack on GPL’s substation at Good Hope on the East Coast of Demerara was deliberate and law enforcement officers are on top of the matter conducting their investigations.

'Explosive device' blows up at East Ruimveldt Police Outpost - News Room Guyana

newsroom.gy, May 17, 2025

Perpetrators of Good Hope substation attack will face full force of law – Pres Ali – Department of Public Information, Guyana

dpi.gov.gy, Nov 12, 2026

GPL, GCCI condemn Molotov cocktail attack on Good Hope substation - News Room Guyana

newsroom.gy, Nov 12, 2026

Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) has condemned the deliberate firebombing of its Good Hope Distribution Substation on the East Coast Demerara, calling on the Police to treat the incident as an act of terror against critical national infrastructure. In a statement on Wednesday, GPL disclosed further details of Tuesday night’s incident, saying CCTV footage captured two individuals at the facility at approximately 22:46 hrs, one of whom threw a Molotov cocktail into the 69kV energised substation switchyard. The company said the incident was immediately reported to the Guyana Police Force. GPL described the attack as deliberate sabotage, warning of the seriousness of targeting infrastructure essential to the country’s electricity supply. The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has also strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a flagrant act of sabotage with potentially devastating consequences for the country and its citizens. The Chamber warned that deliberate attempts to damage essential public infrastructure pose serious threats to national security, public safety and economic stability. It noted that such incidents are particularly concerning as Guyana continues to invest in strengthening and modernising its infrastructure, stressing that those investments and the country’s national assets must be protected. The GCCI has called for a thorough investigation and for anyone found responsible to be held accountable under the law.

Source

Is Guyana under the threat of terrorism? in Guyana Times, November 14, 2026