Venezuelan Confesses to Guyana Gas Blast
Guyana's Crime Chief says a Venezuelan man, identified only as Daniel, has confessed to planting a bomb at a Guyanese gas station that killed a six-year-old and injured others. Investigators say the device was brought from Venezuela, nine people are in custody, and the suspect is cooperating through a translator.
A Venezuelan man has confessed to planting a bomb at a gas station in Guyana that killed six-year-old Soraya Bourne and injured several others, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum said at a press conference on Tuesday night. Blanhum told reporters the suspect, identified only as Daniel, arrived at the scene on Sunday, October 26, at about 8:00 a.m. and was supported by other accomplices—reported to include both Venezuelans and Guyanese.
According to the Crime Chief, Daniel admitted the explosive device was brought into Guyana from Venezuela and that it had a switch he activated when he exited a vehicle parked near the station. Nine people are currently in custody in connection with the attack. Authorities say Daniel is cooperating with investigators and is being interviewed with the aid of a translator; reporters were told the man was informed of his right to legal counsel and that legal processes were followed during questioning.
Police have also linked Daniel to a Venezuelan gang, Blanhum said. The bombing has heightened concerns across the region about cross-border crime, illicit arms and explosive movements, and the involvement of transnational gangs. For residents of the British Virgin Islands, the incident underscores the security challenges facing neighbouring countries and the potential spillover effects on travel, maritime routes and regional law enforcement cooperation.
Local authorities and residents who travel to or do business with Guyana, Venezuela or other nearby territories should monitor travel advisories and follow guidance from official sources. The attack also draws attention to the vulnerability of fuel stations and other public spaces to politically motivated or criminal violence—locations that are critical for daily life and for the tourism and transport sectors important to the BVI economy.
Police have not released full details about the identities of the nine people in custody or the precise motives behind the bombing. BVI Live will continue to follow this story and provide updates as Guyanese authorities release further information and as regional agencies respond.
Primary source: VINO