Relatives of six-year-old Soraya Bourne, who was killed in last year’s bombing at the Mobil gas station at Regent and King streets, protested outside the station last evening, demanding justice as a ruling approaches on no-case submissions on behalf of three accused.
The relatives, including children, stood outside the Georgetown station chanting, “No justice, no peace, we need justice.”
“We not accepting no no-case submission, we need justice,” they said. “We are still suffering, we need justice.”
One relative held up a photograph of Soraya as the family called for accountability for her death.
The protest comes ahead of Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty’s November 10 ruling on submissions made on behalf of Jhonny Boodram, Krystal La Cruz and Alexander Bettencourt. Their attorneys have argued that the prosecution failed to establish a case against them. The prosecution has responded to those submissions.
The three face terrorism charges alongside Daniel Alexander Ramirez Peodemo, whom the prosecution has identified as the alleged mastermind. Magistrate McGusty is considering whether the evidence is sufficient for the accused to be committed to stand trial in the High Court. A no-case submission asks the court to find that the prosecution’s evidence is insufficient to require an accused to answer the charge.
Earlier this year, Ramirez Peodemo told the court that he alone was responsible and asked that the other three accused be freed. He subsequently withdrew his guilty plea. His state-appointed attorney, Shellon Boyce, has said he would abide by the court’s ruling.
Soraya was killed in the October 26, 2025 explosion, which also injured four relatives. She had been at the station with family members when the blast occurred.
Stabroek News identified the injured as her aunt, teacher Jenica Hooper; grandmother Yvonne Jonas; and two other children, Seddia McIntosh and Reshard Lord. The explosion damaged vehicles, the station and nearby commercial buildings.
Seven people were initially charged in connection with the bombing following advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
In separate proceedings at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court in April, Wayne Correia and Ramesh Pramdeo were discharged after Magistrate Alisha George upheld no-case submissions, finding insufficient evidence to link them to the offence. Jennifer Rodrigues was committed to stand trial in the High Court.
Following the bombing, President Irfaan Ali met affected family members and promised “swift justice”, Stabroek News reported at the time. He also pledged government assistance for the bereaved family and those injured.
Last evening, Soraya’s relatives said their suffering continued.
“She deserve justice, we need justice,” they chanted.
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