Paper committal begins today in Regent St deadly gas station explosion case

Proceedings are set to advance today in the case arising from the deadly explosion at a Regent and King Streets, Georgetown gas station, as the court begins reviewing whether there is enough evidence to send the matter to trial.
The case is being heard before acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
The start of this phase had been pushed back earlier in the month after members of the defence team requested additional time to study the State’s file and confer with their clients.

Charged in connection with the incident are Venezuelan nationals Daniel Alexander Ramirez Poedemo, 33; Johnny Boodram, 27; and Alexander Bettencourt, 44, along with Guyanese Krystal LaCruz, 33. The charges stem from the October explosion which resulted in the death of six-year-old Soraya Bourne and injuries to several members of her family.
The delay followed appearances by attorneys representing two of the accused, who indicated they had only recently been retained and required time to properly prepare. Applications for an adjournment were subsequently granted by the court.
The prosecution, led by Senior Police Legal Adviser Mandel Moore, has since finalised disclosure. The material before the court includes statements from witnesses, scientific and forensic findings, as well as data extracted from electronic and telecommunications sources.

As part of the probe, investigators also sought assistance from overseas laboratories, including in India, where samples collected at the scene were analysed.
During this stage, the magistrate will examine the written evidence to determine whether it meets the legal threshold required for the matter to proceed to the High Court. A finding in favour of the prosecution would see the accused committed to stand trial, while insufficient evidence could result in their discharge.

According to investigators, the explosion was not accidental but a planned act. It is alleged that Poedemo entered the country on the day in question carrying an explosive device concealed in bags, before making his way into the service station compound.
Moments later, the device reportedly detonated, killing the young girl and injuring several persons who were in a nearby vehicle at the time.
Those hurt in the explosion include Jenica Hooper, 27; Yvonne Jonas, 71; Seddia McIntosh; and 11-year-old Reshard Lord. The blast also left a trail of destruction, damaging multiple vehicles and structures in the vicinity.
Poedemo is also facing an additional terrorism-related charge under the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, which alleges that the act was carried out with the intention of endangering national security and spreading fear among the population, resulting in loss of life.
In a related matter before the Leonora Magistrate’s Court, Jennifer Rodriguez, 33; Wayne Correia, 44; and Ramesh Pramdeo, 51, have been charged with assisting in the commission of the offence. All accused persons remain in custody.
Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond has indicated that, if convicted, the accused could face the death penalty under Guyana’s anti-terrorism laws, which allow for capital punishment in cases where loss of life occurs.