Incident Involving Cyril’s Transportation Service
Late last year, a shocking incident involving Muishankar Persaud, the owner of Cyril’s Transportation Service, came to light. Persaud, who had been contracted by ExxonMobil Guyana to provide transportation services, was arrested for discharging a firearm at one of his own vehicles.
ExxonMobil’s Response
During a press conference on Wednesday, ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge, whose vehicle was targeted in the incident, expressed his disbelief and concern. He emphasized the company’s commitment to safety, stating, “I was shocked with what happened. Safety is first and paramount for all of us, and so I’m shocked that anybody would think it’s a good idea to release a weapon in the streets. To me, that’s unacceptable.†Routledge also confirmed that ExxonMobil is currently seeking new transportation providers, noting, “We have a tender that’s ongoing… I can’t comment on the outcome of a tender process. It’s ongoing.â€
Police Investigation
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) released a statement in December 2024 regarding the investigation into the incident. They reported an alleged firing of a loaded firearm with intent, which occurred on December 2, 2024, at the intersection of Drury Lane and Lamaha Street in Georgetown.
The GPF named Muishankar Persaud in their announcement, detailing that the incident involved ExxonMobil driver Kordel Assanah. The police discovered that Assanah and Persaud were acquaintances and that Persaud is a licensed firearm holder. The incident reportedly began when Persaud learned that one of his stolen Toyota Prado SUVs was spotted.
Details of the Incident
Persaud, having received a tip about the location of the vehicle, drove to the area and observed a Prado SUV matching the description of his stolen vehicle. He exited his own vehicle and fired a shot at the Prado, striking its rear wheel and bringing it to a halt. Upon approaching the driver, Persaud realized that the vehicle was not, in fact, one of his stolen cars.
The police processed the scene, recovering one spent shell from a 9mm firearm. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The firearm was secured by authorities, and Persaud is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
This incident underscores the importance of safety and responsibility, particularly among those entrusted with providing transportation services. ExxonMobil’s proactive approach in seeking new providers reflects their commitment to maintaining high safety standards in their operations.
