Mystery still surrounds the two attempted arson attacks on the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport in May and at the National Cultural Centre last month.
There is still no word from the police as to who may have been responsible, and the ministry is yet to receive any report on the incidents.
On May 17, gunmen attacked the ministry, located at the corner of Quamina and Main streets, throwing two channa bombs into the compound shortly after blasting off shots at the nearby WaterChris Hotel. The bombs failed to explode.
Quick action by the Guyana Fire Service on June 16, just a month after the previous incident, averted an explosion at the National Cultural Centre. A device consisting of four small cylinders, which were later found to have contained propane, was found underneath the stage. That device did not explode.
This newspaper contacted Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony for an update on the status of the investigations, but he could not comment.
The minister said the police have not given the ministry any reports on either incident and advised that any questions should be put to the police.
Fire Chief Lawrence David in an invited comment said the fire department has completed the technical aspect of investigation. David said his department has ascertained that both incidents were attempted arson. He indicated too that all supporting evidence has since been forwarded to the police.
A senior police source, who preferred not to be named, said there were no arrests in either incident. The source said that in the case of the NCC fire, forensic tests were still being conducted on the propane-filled device, which was found under stage.
Most of the staff members at the Cultural Centre were questioned by police in relation to the incident.
However, the source said this procedure was not completed.
On the matter of the channa bomb attack on the ministry, the source said the case was not closed and investigations were continuing.
Even though the cultural centre’s stage sustained much damage, repairs have been effected and the centre has already been used for a show, the funeral service of late former president Arthur Chung and the graduation ceremony of the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE).
