Following several shock attacks by gunmen on Wednesday, a police bulletin for wanted man Kurt Thierens was released by way of an e-mail sent by Troy Tyrell.
Tyrell, the author of several letters published in the daily newspapers, had previously dispatched a note warning about how “opposition spin-doctors, propagandists, apologists and surrogates in the media” would seek to deceive about the attacks.
The bulletin was officially issued by the Government Information Agency (GINA) two hours later. When asked whether Tyrell was acting on behalf of the police force, Police Commissioner Henry Greene told reporters at a news conference that it had to be an error. He suggested that Tyrell “probably works for GINA,” explaining that information had only been released to the government agency. However, when informed by a GINA officer who was present at the news conference that there was no such employee, Greene was dumbfounded. He explained that whenever the police force deals with GINA, it does so through McCoy. “We would call him and provide the information to him and he would then get it and circulate it where he has to circulate it,” Greene said. He added, “We did give it to Kwame McCoy to send it out in the normal way.”
As a result, Greene advised reporters to inquire about Tyrell, adding that the police would do so too.
When contacted, McCoy reiterated that there was no Troy Tyrell working at GINA. Further, he explained that he had received the bulletin very early from the police force and had passed the information to GINA to disseminate. He said he had also previously received e-mails from Tyrell, whom he said seemed to be taking newspaper articles and sending them around. “The information given to me was dealt with and handled through GINA,” McCoy was adamant, adding that it was ultimate a non-issue. “The bottom line is a wanted bulletin was issued,” he said, adding that there should be no real interest in who sent it.
Stabroek News wrote to the e-mail address used by Tyrell, seeking contact information to verify the identity. In response, the author identifying himself as “Troy Anthony Tyrell” said he had never submitted a letter to any of the local dailies for publication. “However, [I] do circulate publications by others (and [I] do indicate this) as well as my opinion on matters in an attempt to enlighten in a similar manner to the entity you represent,” the response said. “I have noted also attempts to link my name to Kwame Mc Coy in what is seen by me as a clear attempt to discredit my efforts by those whose agenda run in contradiction to mines [sic],” it added. The response also questioned the focus on whether or not the bulletin was issued before a wanted bulletin is released by GINA, noting that “the fact of the matter is that its [sic] out as it needs to be.” No particulars were provided.
