Authorities cannot say if recent fires were politically motivated

Authorities cannot yet determine if the recent fires set to public buildings across the country were politically motivated.

This is according to the Public Security Ministry in a statement released to the media on Tuesday evening.
Within the space of just a few days, fires were set to the sub-office of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) in Region 10, the Suddie Magistrate’s Court, the Anna Regina Criminal Investigation Department, an army base at Maria’s Lodge on the Essequibo Coast, and the Umana Yana located at Kingston, Georgetown.
While all those instances are being treated as acts of arson, the Public Security Ministry said: “based on the information available so far, it cannot be concluded that any of the fires were politically directed or motivated.”
Describing this development as “most unfortunate”, the Ministry promised to keep the public informed as the investigation progresses.
As it stands, the Ministry is awaiting more detailed reports from the Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, and the Fire Chief Marlon Gentle.
According to the Ministry, they have received assurances that the relevant agencies are conducting thorough investigations and will be following all leads
“The fullest extent of the law will be applied to perpetrators,” the Ministry assured.
Furthermore, it revealed that the caretaker Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan has requested that more security personnel be dedicated to more frequent patrols in every division.
Moreover, being conscious of the current political atmosphere, the Ministry implored 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”.
According to the Ministry, “we cannot ill-afford any further loss of valuable assets.”
Citizens are being urged to cooperate with the country’s security forces by assisting to safeguard both public and private property.