Bomb Scare disrupts operations at GRA

Aug 21, 2008 News

At approximately 10:00 hrs yesterday, a bomb scare forced the employees of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to evacuate the offices at Lamaha and East Streets, North Cummingsburg.

Fire engines blocked Lamaha Street, between Cummings and Thomas Streets, and traffic was diverted from the area.

GRA employees remained outside of the building for approximately an hour, while members of the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Fire Service checked the area and the building for incendiary and explosive devices.

Police Public Relations Officer (ag) John Sauers explained that the police investigated the matter and found it to be a hoax.

He added that efforts by the force to prosecute persons who perpetuate such scare tactics are not always successful as the perpetrators almost always call from blocked numbers or from public telephone booths.

Meanwhile, Commissioner General of the GRA, Khurshid Sattaur refused to comment on the incident.
The bomb scare comes only days before the launch of Carifesta X and approximately two months after an incendiary device was found in the National Cultural Centre. These events have raised many eyebrows over the much touted security plan in place for Carifesta X.

In accordance with this security plan, Trinidad and Tobago, the only Caricom country which the Government of Guyana approached for support, is preparing to send a four-man bomb squad to Guyana to provide additional security.

Commissioner of Police (ag) Henry Greene recently stated, “We will be having joint operations and are expecting full support from the community policing groups. We, the police and the Joint Services, stand ready to provide the relevant protection.”