Seon Carmichael, a 35-year-old minibus driver from Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara, was remanded to prison on Wednesday after being charged with facilitating two acts of terrorism. The charges relate to recent explosions at the East Ruimveldt Police Outpost and the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) substation in Georgetown earlier this month.
Carmichael, a father of three, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Chief Magistrate (ag) Faith McGusty, with his hands cuffed and feet shackled.
Carmichael was represented by attorney Everton Lammy Singh, who informed the court that while his client does not deny involvement, he acted under duress after Venezuelan nationals threatened to kill his wife and children. One of the alleged perpetrators is reportedly married to Carmichael’s cousin.
While he was not required to plead to the charges, Carmichael told the court that he was paid $20,000 for his role. Investigators reported that he was also involved in renting hotel rooms in the Stevedore Housing Scheme for the suspects.
The court on Wednesday further heard that Carmichael transported them to the scene of the attacks and also purchased the items used to create the explosive devices.
However, his attorney explained that the ‘screws or bolts’ Carmichael purchased would not have raised ‘eyebrows’ given the fact that the suspects are involved in mining.
According to Lammy Singh, Carmichael was hired for transportation services and was unaware of the suspects’ intentions to bomb the police outpost and utility station.
In his application for bail, Lammy Singh told the Magistrate that Carmichael’s life remained threatened as the suspects further warned him that they have ‘connections on the inside.’
Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones, however, objected to bail, citing the serious nature and gravity of the offences.
The Prosecutor argued that Carmichael not only facilitated the suspects but also purchased items, made no report to the police and only confessed after being arrested.
In denying bail, Magistrate McGusty also cited the delay in Carmichael coming forward.
“Under duress, he might have done other things,” the Magistrate said.
In relation to the threats, she said: “he may be safer within the arms and protection of the law.”
Carmichael is scheduled to return to court on June 18.
Police have issued wanted bulletins for the three main suspects: two Venezuelans and a Brazilian known only as “Flavio Tasso.” Investigators say they have gathered CCTV footage and other evidence linking the men to the explosions.
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