FURTHER REMANDED: Three accomplices in gas station bombing for court again on Dec. 17

Three of the seven suspects charged in connection with the Regent Street gas station bombing were on Monday further remanded to prison when they reappeared at the Leonora Magistrates’ Court.

The accused: Venezuelan national Jennifer Rodriguez and Guyanese nationals Wayne Correia, 44, and Ramesh Pramdeo, 51, appeared before Magistrate Alisha George.

They are facing a joint charge of aiding and abetting an act of terrorism stemming from the October 26 explosion.

The trio was charged separately from the other defendants in the magisterial district where their alleged offences occurred.

During Monday’s hearing, the prosecution requested additional time to complete disclosure of evidence. The request was granted and the matter was adjourned to December 17 for full disclosure. All three will remain on remand until then.

The other four defendants; prime suspect Daniel Alexander Ramirez Peodemo, Johnny Boodram, Krystal LaCruz and Alexander Bettancourt remain before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

They too are remanded and their next appearance is set for December 3.

Investigators believe Peodemo entered Guyana illegally from Venezuela around 08:00 hrs on the day of the attack.

He and three accomplices allegedly conducted surveillance of the gas station between 11:00 hrs and noon before executing the bombing later that night. Clothing believed to have been worn by Peodemo was reportedly recovered shortly before his arrest in Vergenoegen, Region Three.

The attack sparked national outrage and was condemned by President Dr Irfaan Ali as a “vile assault on Guyana.” Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond has reiterated that the government will seek the death penalty for anyone convicted under Guyana’s anti-terrorism laws.