AN ISOLATED incident where a packet of what is suspected to be powdered carbon was found in a bag of rice supplied to the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) Base Camp Stephenson, Timehri, is being investigated.A statement from the GDF says,“At approximately 06:30hours this morning, a sealed bag of rice was opened by ration store personnel in order that rice could be distributed to various kitchens at Base Camp Stephenson. While dipping the rice out, the two ranks observed a brown paper bag which they inadvertently tore as they dipped the rice. Inside the paper bag, was a substance suspected to be powered carbon.”

The Force has noted that there are no indications that any other food items were contaminated.
“At the moment, this appears to be an isolated incident as there has been no other indication that there are any other rice bag or food items which are contaminated,” the GDF said.
It assured that it will continue to exercise diligence and seek to ensure that it mitigates any possibility of harm coming to its troops.
Meanwhile, the rice is reported to have been supplied by Ramlakhan and Sons Rice Mill on the Essequibo Coast, Region 2 (Pomeroon/ Supenaam).
Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, when asked to comment on the rice supply, explained that reports he has received indicates that the Mill sold some 179 bags of rice to a retail distributor, which then supplied a number of customers, including the GDF.
“From what we have learnt so far, there was a problem with one bag that was supplied to the Guyana Defence Force and investigations are going on,” he said.
Dr Ramsammy stressed that this incident is not widespread and all efforts are being made to address it. “We are taking this issue very seriously and investigating,” he assured.