Receipt of GoG Diplomatic Note DG/3/11/2009

UNCLAS GEORGETOWN 000531 SIPDIS PASS TO GUYANA DESK OFFICER SEAN WHALEN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM PINR GY SUBJECT: Receipt of GoG Diplomatic Note DG/3/11/2009 REF: EMAIL:RECEIPT OF GOG DIPLOMATIC NOTE DG/3/11/2009 Post received the following communication from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Guyana, dated 17 November 2009 requesting assistance in transmitting an enclosed letter to the United States Department of Justice, Mr. Jeffery Olson, Office of International Affairs, Criminal Division, U.S. Department of Justice. Begin text: Dear Mr. Olson, I am writing to acknowledge receipt of your letter of November 9, 2009 in response to the request made by the Government of Guyana for assistance in a criminal investigation. I do need to make a correction to the number which was provided in our communication under reference. The telephone number for which we require the identity of the subscriber is 646-372-2397 and NOT 646-372-2379 as was quoted in our letter. This error is regretted. The details which are pertinent to this investigation are as follows: The Guyana Police Force is investigating a report of arson committed on the State of Guyana whereby a building that housed the Ministry of Health was set on fire between 03:00 hours and 03:15 hours on July 17, 2009. The fire destroyed the building along with all records, furniture and equipment. Several bottle bombs comprising gasoline, channa ( chick peas ) and wicks were recovered from the scene. Evidence acquired during the investigation has so far resulted in five Guyanese nationals including Keith Faria - called "General" - being charged with arson. At the time of his arrest, Faria was found in possession of cellular phone number 592-682-4698. Further investigation revealed that a call was made at 0306 hours and one at 0308 hours on July 17, 2009 from that cellular phone to telephone number 646-372-2397 and that these calls were made from a location within close proximity to the scene of the arson. Two of the persons charged have confessed that they were hired by Faria to participate in the arson. The Guyana Police Force has intelligence of Faria's involvement with a group of Guyanese nationals that commit crimes with intent to cause mayhem in the society and that specifically target Government entities and personnel. Several members of that group are currently on trial in courts in Guyana for Murder, Advocating a Terrorist Act, Robbery under Arms and other offences. The Police are also in receipt of information that the group receives some funding, firearms and direction form a Guyanese-born male living in New York, USA who is referred to as "Mr T" and whose telephone number is 646-372-2397. The Government of Guyana appreciates the prompt attention being given to this matter by the United States Department of Justice. Please contact me on telephone 592-225-7270 or email address homemin@guyana.net.gy if you require any clarification or further information. Yours sincerely, /signed/ Clement J Rohee Minister of Home Affairs End text. This email is UNCLASSIFIED. WILLIAMS