INITIAL investigations into the discovery of the two Molotov cocktails or “channa bombs” in the compound of the Public Works Ministry in Kingston have indicated that the devices are not of the same period as those recovered following the Friday morning fire which razed most parts of the Health Ministry complex.

Public Works Minister, Robeson Benn yesterday made this disclosure to the Guyana Chronicle at his Wight’s Lane, Kingstown, Georgetown, office.

“I have spoken to the police and so far they are indicating that these channa bombs are of a different vintage…than those that were used at the Ministry of Health.”

They were hidden in the grass and soon became covered by the vegetation.

Minister Benn stated that the home-made explosive devices were recovered from a fence separating his Ministry and the railway embankment where the Ministry houses its equipment and repairs facilities.

He also indicated that initial reports suggest that the propellant may have evaporated or leaked out from the container. But his office is awaiting the conclusive findings by the Police.

On the issue of increased security measures, Minister Benn said that they have been working with their security service providers to make sure that they keep a sharper look out, ensuring the safety of the Ministry.

“All the Managers and Operators at all of our facilities and assets have been informed to heighten security awareness and that higher security presence should be maintained.

“There was a problem on that day when the bombs were discovered by Ministry employees cleaning the compound … that all of the security persons were not there at the time. One of three was there, two turned out for duty and one left earlier than scheduled. And this is a matter we are following up with the security service,” he said.

The Minister said that there are concerns with the standard and level of efficiency of the security provided, and this is something they have been talking to the providers about.

Questioned about whether efforts will be taken to ensure that the guards at these locations are armed, the Minister pointed out that this is not necessary, as there are armed Supervisors who would check in on the locations on a regular basis, as well as mobile police patrols throughout these areas. He noted that there is armed security attached to some of the Ministry’s facilities.

“We think generally their efforts have improved in the last year or so, but it’s not yet at the standard which we want it to be,” the Minister said, but added that there are ongoing reviews in relation to this.

In joining with the Health Minister in condemning the attack on the latter’s Ministry, Benn pointed out that such activities do not fit in with the culture of the Guyanese society.

“ I want to join with Minister Ramsammy too in saying that we want to condemn any attempt, any spirit, any environment, any condition, any reckless behaviour, any immature antics which would reverse what I believe to be the work being done by our Ministry and by the Government.