Security guard accused of pulling gun on Minister Broomes

…after confrontation in parking lot

Two security officers attached to the Massy Store at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) are now in hot water after one of them allegedly pointed a shotgun at Minister within the Natural Resources Ministry, Simona Broomes on Sunday evening.
Reports are the Minister’s driver stopped at the entrance of the store to access the New Thriving Restaurant which is housed in the upper flat of the building.
While there, two security guards approached them and a confrontation ensured.
The Minister went as far as to identify herself as a Minister of Government, but the security guard allegedly cocked his shotgun and reportedly threatened to shoot if the driver did not remove the vehicle from what he described as a restricted area.
Guyana Times was told that the security guard stated that based on the manner in which the duo were dressed, it seemed as though they were about to commit a robbery.
“Apparently, the Minister’s driver parked her vehicle on a tarmac area which is not to be used by customers,” a Police source explained.
Nevertheless, the Minister is holding out that the driver drove into the tarmac area to allow her to exit the vehicle after which he was heading to the parking lot. The guard, according to reports, refused to listen to their explanation.
This newspaper was told that Broomes, without hesitation, contacted the Police, who quickly responded and confiscated the weapon that was used to threaten her. The guards were also taken into custody on Sunday, but were subsequently released on their own recognisance.
However, in surveillance footage seen by this publication, after the minister’s driver and the guards began to argue, Broomes jumped out of her vehicle and removed the restricted area signs. This led to a further confrontation.
The matter is being investigated and once completed, the file will be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice.
Efforts to contact the Manager of Massy for a comment on the issue proved futile. Investigations are ongoing.