The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) is calling for a thorough investigation into an alleged firebomb attack at the Good Hope power substation, warning that attempts to sabotage critical infrastructure could have serious consequences for public safety and the economy.

 

The attack occurred around 10:46 p.m. on November 10, when two people were captured on CCTV at the East Coast Demerara facility. Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) says one of the individuals threw a Molotov cocktail into the live 69-kilovolt switchyard.

 

Although the incident did not interrupt electricity supply, GPL warned that extensive damage to the equipment could have triggered a shutdown of the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System, affecting more than 220,000 customers.

 

An overnight inspection found no major equipment damage. The footage has since been handed over to police, with GPL requesting an investigation into possible offences under anti-terrorism legislation, as well as arson, malicious damage and conspiracy.

 

The company has also stepped up security and patrols at substations and power plants across its network.

 

In condemning the incident, the GCCI stressed the need to protect essential infrastructure, particularly as Guyana continues to invest in expanding and upgrading public services. It wants those responsible identified and held accountable.