– Intellectual author still to be determined

By Rabindra Rooplall

The motive behind a grenade thrown outside the office of Kaieteur News on Saffon Street, Charlestown tow Saturdays ago was to drive and instill fear, Acting Commissioner, David Ramnarine said on Wednesday.Three men were charged with the attack Wednesday. At his Police Headquarters, Eve Leary office, the acting Commissioner described the act as a cowardly and dastardly one perpetrated by criminal elements. The investigators deduced, based on statements that the motive was to drive fear.

He noted that this is not the end of the investigation as there is a wanted bulletin out and there are more persons of interest that investigators are pursuing.

“They weren’t concerned about whether there was damage, hurt or injury to the person, cause of physical damage, but in essence, to drive fear.

“As we understand, this plan that was basically contemplated on the June 2, developed on the 3rd, and executed in the night of the 4th; it’s unfortunate that thus far we have not been able to zero in on the intellectual authors of this heinous crime,” he explained.

Taking due cognizance of the various levels and degrees of concerns of society, government, business community and from member of the diplomatic corp., the acting Commissioner said many calls were made to the police force and there were expressions of doubt as to whether or not that police were capable of solving the matter.

He said the investigation epitomizes consciousness, diligence and resilience of criminal investigators.

“Time and again we have been criticized for only going after certain type of crimes and being unable to solve other crimes and a whole host of things….there is a very high and effective degree of collaboration between investigators in ‘A’ Division, Brickdam and CID headquarters…,” he said.

Acknowledging the contributions of persons with various levels and degree of expertise, who worked diligently with the police force behind the scenes, Ramnarine said the advice aided investigators and their roles were invaluable and their names will obviously remain unknown.

Adding that there was impatience and a host of questions towards the Guyana Police Force (GPF), he thanked those who offered support, it was in training, equipment, or technology. He said the police force is on the road to making the kind of progress to ensure citizens can feel comfortable.

“We can’t solve all the crimes since we don’t know what’s in a person’s mind… what matters is the response and bringing perpetrators to justice that would really bring a high measure of satisfaction to the people whom it matters most to,” he explained.
Expressing gratitude to the ABC countries and Russia, China, Italy and a host of other countries, the acting Commissioner said sponsored training from these countries is paying off in much needed dividends for the police force.

He said in 2013 the public trust in the police force was very low. However, presently the amount of support and trust given to the force has changed that perception.

He also indicated that he is satisfied with the investigation and it is left up to the judiciary and prosecution to execute their duties.

“This is not a simple matter and work is continuing, we will and are working diligently to bring the other persons on the run to justice.”

Meanwhile, Ramnarine expressed condolences on the passing of Kaieteur News Assistant Editor Dale Andrews, whom he described as a “friend; a confidant.”