A powerful explosion rocked the East Ruimveldt Police Outpost early Saturday morning after an improvised explosive device (IED) was hurled at the compound by unknown individuals, the Guyana Police Force has confirmed.
According to an official police statement, the incident occurred at approximately 12:40 a.m. on May 17, 2025, at the police outpost located at Vlissengen Square and East Front Road. A female police constable on duty reported hearing two loud explosions from the southern side of the compound. Upon inspection, she discovered the southern metal gate had been completely blown off and found damaged some six feet away from the building.
Ranks from the Crime Scene Unit responded and processed the scene. Several nearby residents were interviewed and confirmed hearing two loud explosions followed by the sound of objects striking their rooftops.
Later in the day, Crime Chief and Deputy Commissioner of Police Wendell Blanhum confirmed to Big Smith News Watch that the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device, not a grenade as initially speculated. The Crime Chief did not disclose the specific type of device but confirmed it was deliberately thrown at the police outpost.
While no injuries were reported, the blast has reignited public concerns about security, particularly as such attacks remain rare but not unprecedented in Guyana. Historical accounts indicate that similar improvised devices using bolts and nuts were used in politically turbulent periods during the late 1970s and early 1980s. More recently, Molotov cocktails containing gasoline and even chickpeas (“channa”) have been used in attacks.
Authorities have not yet identified any suspects or established a motive. The Guyana Police Force says the investigation is ongoing and is urging anyone with information to come forward.
The explosion comes amid heightened national focus on crime and security, and police officials have promised a thorough probe into the incident.
