PNC arsonists attempted to raze the Ministry of Home Affairs 

THE POLICE are investigating another blow to the rule of law in Guyana Sunday night when, in the hub of national security, arsonists attempted to raze the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Ministry officials say the attack resulted in a window being partly broken and relatively minimal damage inside.

One spokesman said it was ironical that the arsonists threw channa bombs into the ministry from the Brickdam side of the building facing the area where the PNC/R has set up "watch" to demonstrate its call for respect for the rule of law and to protest Home Affairs Minister Ronald Gajraj's refusal to vacate office over allegations linking him to a phantom squad.

But the spokesman did not link the PNC/R to the attempted arson. "Investigations are taking place and until these are complete, we are not in any position to point fingers," the spokesman added.

Reports are that three men on foot hurled what security spokespersons have confirmed were channa bombs at the Home Affairs Ministry about 22:15 hours Sunday night. The bombs damaged the Registry Department and the main boardroom where national security meetings usually take place.

The men then fled on foot.

Minister Gajraj told GINA yesterday that he received a call from Police Commissioner Winston Felix around 22:30 hours informing him that the ministry was under the threat of fire. He said he then immediately informed Permanent Secretary Angela Johnson, who rushed to the scene.

Minister Gajraj said he was advised that three men on foot stopped under one of the threes outside the ministry, lit the explosives and hurled them at the southern side of the building. One of the devices went through a window on the upper flat.

The bomb scorched the boardroom carpet, the roof and part of the floor.

The minister said he was not sure about the motive behind the attack, but he recalled being the target of the main opposition in recent times over the George Bacchus allegations. In one instance, he recalled, a group of women professing support for the PNC/R staged a mock service outside of his home and the PNC/R has intensified its rhetoric and physical protests against him, organising and heading two "rule of law" marches.

Minister Gajraj said his staff understood why all this was happening and did not think their morale had been dampened by the arson attempt on the ministry and, consequently, their livelihood.

Permanent Secretary Johnson said the section of the ministry damaged was recently extended and described the incident as "rather unfortunate."

She commended the Guyana Fire Service for its quick and effective response, saying their action averted what could have been a catastrophe for the Ministry of Home Affairs and the people of Guyana.

The police are investigating the incident, which occurred just yards away from Brickdam Police Station. (GINA)

April 27, 2004