President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Saturday vowed that authorities will “get to the bottom” of the deadly attack on the Mobil Gas Station on Regent Street, describing it as “a vile assault on the people and an attempt to sow fear and chaos.”
Speaking at the Guyana Defence Force’s 60th Anniversary Interfaith Service, Ali said the incident, which claimed the life of a child, bore the hallmarks of terrorism and was intended to destabilise the country.
“Let it be known, here and now, that we will not be intimidated. We will not bow. We will not be broken,” Ali said to applause from the audience at the National Cultural Centre.
The President praised the swift and coordinated response by the police, the joint services and the GDF, saying their professionalism reflected the nation’s resilience.
“In the face of evil, Guyana stands united and unshaken,” he said, adding that the investigation would continue until the motives behind the attack were uncovered.
Ali also urged citizens to avoid prejudice as emotions run high following the incident. “We must not succumb to the temptation to paint all immigrants with the same brush. Hatred is not the answer to hatred. Fear must not drive our national policy. Guyana will remain compassionate but strong and aggressive in protecting its citizens and sovereignty,” the President said.
