– paper committal set for June 8

THE prime suspect in the deadly Regent Street gas station bombing case dramatically reversed his position in court on Tuesday, informing the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court that he no longer intends to plead guilty to terrorism-related charges stemming from the October 2025 attack that claimed the life of six-year-old Soraya Bourne.
The accused, Venezuelan national Daniel Alexander Ramirez Poedemo, made the declaration after the court was informed that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) would proceed with terrorism charges against him and three co-accused Venezuelan nationals.
In March, Ramirez Poedemo had told Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty that he alone was responsible for the bombing at the Regent Street gas station.
However, when the matter was called on Tuesday, the court was advised that the prosecution intended to continue proceedings against all the accused jointly charged in the matter.
Following that disclosure, Ramirez Poedemo informed the court that he was withdrawing his earlier indication that he intended to admit guilt.
As a result, Acting Chief Magistrate McGusty announced that paper committal proceedings in the case will commence on June 8 at 13:30 hours at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
During the paper committal process, the court will review written statements, investigative reports and other documentary evidence to determine whether sufficient evidence exists for the accused to stand trial in the High Court.
The prosecution is proceeding against Ramirez Poedemo along with co-accused Alexander Bettencourt, Jhonny Boodram and Krystal LaCruz.
The case also involves several other accused persons, including Guyanese nationals Ramesh Pramdeo and Wayne Correia, as well as Venezuelan national Jennifer Rodrigues.
Earlier this year, at proceedings before the Leonora Magistrate’s Court, Magistrate Alisha George dismissed the charges against Correia and Pramdeo, ruling that there was insufficient evidence linking them to the bombing.
Rodrigues, however, was committed to stand trial in the High Court based on the evidence presented before the court.
The October 2025 explosion at the Regent Street gas station left several persons injured and resulted in the death of six-year-old Soraya Bourne, prompting a major criminal investigation and terrorism-related charges against multiple suspects.