Dear Editor,
A drug lord wanted abroad by the Europeans was picked up at a local hotel next to the USA Embassy. The hotel is reportedly owned by an official advisor to the government on national security. It is reported that the drug man has residence at the hotel. The owner of the hotel has not publicly disputed the report.
The advisor reportedly owns several other businesses pertaining to aviation including an airline and being a handling agent for Omni Helicopter services that is involved in transportation work for Exxon. His airline does charter and regular service from various parts of the country to Georgetown.
Coincidences are several. There are several cases of drugs in shipments coming from Guyana being intercepted in Europe. Is there a drug nexus in Guyana involving shippers? It is unusual for a wanted man to take the risk to stay next to the USA Embassy.
Other questions have been raised: Why did the drug kingpin choose that particular hotel, right next door to USA Embassy, for his stay and or socialising? His presence in Guyana was well known as he registered a business and socialised with the First Family. Why did the police decide to pick him up on the eve of the visit of the American CIA Director?
Is it possible for flights especially from the hinterland areas to Georgetown to be compromised by narco-traffickers? Are business aspects of the security advisor more important than our security?
Government needs to review its security. At a minimum, the government should disassociate themselves with any advisor with any connection with drug traffickers and other criminal elements. Omni should also review its security.
Yours truly,
Edward Burrowes
