Two security guards who were stationed in the parking lot of the building which houses the New Thriving Restaurant at Providence, East East Bank Demerara have been arrested after it was alleged they pointed a gun at Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes and behaved in a threatening manner.
The incident occurred at around 20: 30 hrs Sunday night when the Minister went to buy food, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan, the Police Public Relations Officer confirmed.
Security guards Robert Goodluck, 53, and Hash Ramroop, 32, were on duty when Minister Broomes visited the facility. The guards are attached to the KGM security, which is contracted the proprietor of the building and which houses the Massy Supermarket and the New Thriving Restaurant.
The driver sought to put the Minister off at the entrance to the restaurant before proceeding to the parking lot.
Minister Broomes told the News Room that the guard carrying the gun approached the vehicle and started to verbally abuse them.
The driver attempted to explain that he was dropping off the Minister, but the guard would have none of it. Even after Minister Broomes identified herself and explained that she was heading to the restaurant, the guard continued.
She told the Police Goodluck cocked his shotgun and pointed it at her.
The Minister then proceeded to call the Police and they responded promptly.
When Police arrived, both Goodluck and Ramroop were arrested and the gun was seized.
The owner of the guard service arrived at the area subsequently, saying that he was told that persons were attempting to rob the restaurant.
“I could have lost my life last night; I posed no threat to anyone,” Minister Broomes told the News Room.
She said the head of the security service apologised and she was leaving the Police to handle the matter.
“Every Guyanese should be given the same level of respect; it could have been anyone and has nothing to do with me being a Minister.
“When you are arming people, even people who are dressed in uniforms, you have to know who you are arming.
“Guns are not to be in the hands of everyone.”
Efforts by News Room to contact the security service proved futile.
