Ramjattan requests more Police patrols following acts of arson

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has requested for more security personnel to be dedicated to frequent patrols in every Police division, following three fires that were deliberately set on Tuesday.

“Preliminary reports from the security forces point to arson in each case, this development is most unfortunate,” the Ministry of Public Security said in a statement on Tuesday night.

In the wee hours of Tuesday morning, arsonists burned the building rented by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) in Linden, Region Ten and attempted to destroy the Criminal Investigations Department and the old Guyana Defence Force buildings in Essequibo, Region Two.

The Ministry said “it cannot be concluded that any of the fires were politically directed or motivated” but investigations are ongoing and further details will be provided.

As it stands, the Ministry is awaiting more detailed reports from the Commissioner of Police and the Fire Chief.

“The fullest extent of the law will be applied to perpetrators. The Minister of Public Security requested,” the Security Ministry added.

“Being conscious of the current political atmosphere, The Ministry wishes to implore citizens to remain calm and keep an eye out for mischievous elements who may seek to fuel fear through conflagration of valuable property and the emotions of many citizens along with it.

“We can ill-afford any further loss of valuable assets. I therefore call on all citizens to cooperate with our security forces by assisting to safeguard both public and private property. If you see something, say something,” Ramjattan noted in the statement.