‘Silence where answers needed’: journalists blast police for failure to engage media after bombing

Oct 28, 2025 News

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(Kaieteur News) – Senior journalists have issued scathing critiques of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Ministry of Home Affairs over what they described as poor media engagement following the deadly explosion at the Mobil Gas Station at Regent and King Streets, Georgetown, which claimed the life of six-year-old Soraya Bourne on Sunday night.

The explosion occurred around 19:36 hours on Sunday, Bourne succumbed to her injuries while four others are hospitalised.

At 7:36 a.m on Monday, several hours after the incident Director of the GPF Corporate Communications Unit (CCU), Mark Ramotar, issued a statement revealing that on Sunday evening, a male of mixed ethnicity, believed to be a Spanish-speaking foreign national, was seen at the location with two bulky black plastic garbage bags. He reportedly attempted to dispose of the bags in a garbage bin at the station but was prevented from doing so by an attendant.”

With the police revealing that Sunday night’s explosion was a planned terrorist attack, it sent social media into a frenzy. In fact, citizens have been voicing heightened fear and confusion, particularly after police disclosed that the suspect is believed to be a Spanish-speaking foreign national. The disclosure triggered widespread speculation particularly as there has been an influx of Spanish-speaking migrants in Guyana.

Ramotar’s statement was shared in the “Joint Services/Press Team” WhatsApp group, which includes Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond, Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken, and several senior commanders. The minister’s first response in the group came around 8:57 a.m, instructing to “share widely” in reference to a road closure advisory. Her next message came around 10:00 a.m, commenting on an AI-enhanced image of the suspect that was taken from the CCTV footage.

After the AI-generated image was shared, journalists raised concerns about its accuracy, warning that AI-enhanced visuals could be misleading. “Remember that AI uses based on what’s in its database…” one journalist cautioned, suggesting that police instead use traditional video editing software to improve the CCTV footage.

Throughout the day, questions poured in from members of the media, especially after police issued a second bulletin this time requesting that an individual “visit the nearest police station.” The bulletin offered little detail, prompting journalists to ask whether the man was wanted in connection with the explosion. Journalist Leroy Smith said, “If this man is wanted in relation to the same bombing then we are in a really sad state and place as a country and proves that we not ready for what we have already gotten ourselves into. Because how is the public supposed to be eager and willing to assist if they are not properly fed the information? Soon people hear he associated with the bombing, they will even call and tell the police where he does buy clothes pins from. My goodness bai… Like just tell people what they dealing with and get it over with… this is how y’all want press cooperation CCU? SHAMEFUL.”

Smith also questioned whether the man was “wanted or invited into by the police,” noting, “which is it because there is a difference. The language being used in these things just giving people headache.”

Former Guyana Press Association (GPA) President Nazima Raghubir later remarked, “we talking to ourselves.” Journalist Dennis Chabrol in a message directed to Minister Waldron said, “Good afternoon, this is an almost routine experience by the media. Please Hear Us. Graciously Hear Us.”

Further, journalist Michael Jordan urged the police to provide a basic acknowledgment saying, “At least give us a ‘due to the sensitive nature of our investigation we are unable to divulge too much at this time. We will however be holding a press conference soon…’”

Around 3:20 p.m, the CCU issued a follow-up message stating that an update would be provided at 7:00 p.m, urging the public to remain patient and rely on official sources for accurate information. However, this only fueled more questions as journalists sought to confirm whether the update would come via a press conference or a statement.

Director of the Department of Public Information (DPI) Edward Layne later clarified that the update would be issued as a press statement.

In a sharp message, journalist Gordon Moseley stated that in any other country, a deadly bomb attack in the heart of the capital, especially one that claimed the life of a child, would have immediately prompted a police press conference. Mosely said, “In this republic, there is silence from both the Police and the Ministry overlooking the Police… two early morning statements indicating a suspect is being pursued along with a notice for upcoming press statement are simply not enough. The entire posture of the Force with the local press is at its worst and this must be addressed especially when there are issues of national importance and of national security. Minister Walrond, as a former Magistrate, you would know all too well the importance of information sharing for accuracy, please implore on the Police and the other security agencies under your portfolio to do a far better job at engaging the media on these important events. We must do better!!!! The last Police press conference was hosted almost three years ago. Do better!!!!!”

Journalist Julia Johnson also noted that the lack of timely responses from the authorities “is asking for speculations.”

In another message Michael Jordan added that a press statement “is likely to leave many questions unanswered.” He listed the following:

1. What is the motive for the attack? Is there a Venez. terrorist cell/cells here?
2. Is this a lone attacker or group? If so, have the others been rounded up?
3. What safety measures are being put in place at key locations, e.g. Ministries, schools, gas stations, commercial banks, infrastructure, e.g. the new bridge? Airports?
4. What measures are going to be put in place to monitor our growing Venezuelan population? Random house-to-house searches? Routine stop-and-search operations? Increase of ranks at borders?
5. And whatever happened to the probe into the GPL and Police outpost attacks?”

Notably, the promised press statement was finally issued around 8:14PM.

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• bombing, journalists, Mobil Gas Station, police, Silence

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