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

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.

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