PAPER-committal proceedings in the case surrounding the deadly explosion at the Mobil Service Station at the corner of Regent and King Streets, Georgetown, are set to commence on Monday, March 23, 2026, following a brief delay to allow newly retained attorneys time to prepare.

The matter, being heard before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, had been scheduled to begin on March 10, 2026, but was postponed after two of the accused secured legal representation and their attorneys requested additional time to review the prosecution’s case.

Appearing before the Georgetown court are Venezuelans  Daniel Alexander Ramirez Poedemo, 33; Johnny Boodram, 27; and Alexander Bettencourt, 44, along with 33-year-old Guyanese Krystal LaCruz.

The four are charged with terrorism in connection with the October 26, 2026, explosion, which claimed the life of six-year-old Soraya Bourne and left several of her relatives injured.

The delay came after attorney Shellon Boyce of the Guyana Legal Aid Clinic entered an appearance for Poedemo, who is alleged to be the mastermind behind the attack. Boyce told the court she required time to review the disclosure materials and consult with her client.

Attorney Melvin Duke also appeared for Bettencourt and similarly requested time to examine the evidence and obtain instructions. Both men had previously been unrepresented.

The court granted the adjournment, clearing the way for the start of paper-committal proceedings on Monday.

The development follows the recent completion of disclosure by Senior Police Legal Adviser, attorney-at-law Mandel Moore, who had previously presented a comprehensive bundle of evidence the state intends to rely on.

This includes witness statements, forensic analyses, electronic and telecommunications data, and other documentary materials.

As part of the investigation, samples collected from the scene were also sent to India for advanced forensic testing, as authorities sought to strengthen the evidentiary basis of the case.

Paper-committal proceedings mark a critical stage in indictable matters, during which a magistrate determines whether the evidence is admissible and sufficient to establish a prima facie case.

During the process, the magistrate determines, based solely on written evidence, whether there is sufficient material to commit an accused to stand trial in the High Court.

If there is not enough evidence to establish a prima facie case, the magistrate will discharge the accused, meaning the matter will not proceed to the High Court for trial.

Authorities have described the explosion as a coordinated terrorist act. Investigators alleged that Poedemo entered Guyana around 08:00hrs on the day of the attack carrying an explosive device in two bulky black plastic bags, as seen on surveillance footage.

Minutes after Poedemo entered the gas station compound, the device detonated, killing Bourne and injuring several others who were inside a car.

Those injured include Jenica Hooper, 27; Yvonne Jonas, 71; Seddia McIntosh; and 11-year-old Reshard Lord. Several vehicles and nearby buildings were also damaged in what has been described as one of the country’s most serious national security incidents in recent years.

Poedemo faces a separate charge of terrorism, contrary to Section 3(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, which alleges that he detonated an explosive device with intent to threaten Guyana’s security and sovereignty or to strike terror among the public, resulting in the child’s death.

The remaining accused—Venezuelan  Jennifer Rodriguez, 33, and Guyanese  Wayne Correia, 44, and Ramesh Pramdeo, 51—are jointly charged with aiding and abetting Poedemo.

Their matter is being heard at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court. All seven accused remain on remand as proceedings continue.

Meanwhile, Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond has said the accused will face the full force of the law once convicted, confirming that the state intends to seek the death penalty under Guyana’s anti-terrorism legislation, which provides for capital punishment where terrorist acts result in loss of life.