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 connected to the recent bombings at the East Ruimveldt Police Outpost and the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) substation in Georgetown.
Seon Carmichael appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where he faced allegations of transporting suspects and materials used in the May 17 attacks. According to investigators, Carmichael also rented hotel rooms for the suspects at the Stevedore Housing Scheme and purchased items believed to be used in the construction of the explosive devices.
Prosecutors described Carmichael as playing a central role in helping the alleged bombers move around undetected, stating that he neither prevented nor reported the attacks. Surveillance footage reportedly shows the vehicle involved in the crime, though Carmichael was not observed behind the wheel at the time. Authorities maintain that he knowingly aided the suspects and only cooperated with police after being taken into custody.
During the hearing, Carmichael, represented by attorney Everton Lammy Singh, maintained his innocence, insisting he was unaware of the bombing plans and acted under extreme duress. Singh told the court that Carmichael was manipulated and threatened by Venezuelan nationals—one reportedly married to his cousin—who forced him to drive them around and assist with pickups and drop-offs. Carmichael claimed he initially believed the men were engaged in mechanical work, but after realizing something was amiss, he was threatened with the deaths of his wife and children if he refused to comply.
The defense argued that Carmichael acted out of fear, not intention, and that he had no prior convictions. Singh emphasized that Carmichael provided both oral and written statements to the police, explaining his involvement, and that most of the information police gathered came from his voluntary cooperation. The court also heard that the vehicle seen in surveillance footage does not belong to Carmichael, and there is no evidence placing him at the scene during the critical moments.
Despite these arguments, the prosecution strongly objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the offense and Carmichael’s failure to alert authorities, even when threatened. The court also noted the delay in Carmichael coming forward, with Magistrate McGusty remarking that he “may be safer within the arms and protection of the law.” Carmichael admitted to being paid $20,000 for his role.
Ultimately, Magistrate McGusty denied bail, and Carmichael was remanded to prison until June 18, when the case is scheduled to be called again.
Meanwhile, police have issued wanted bulletins for three main suspects: two Venezuelan nationals and a Brazilian man known only as “Flavio Tasso.” Investigators say the men, described as “Spanish-speaking,” were captured on surveillance cameras near both blast sites and are believed to have orchestrated the attacks, which have raised national security concerns and caused panic in the capital.
Authorities continue to urge anyone with information about the suspects to come forward as the investigation into what is being described as one of the most brazen acts of domestic terrorism in recent years intensifies.
