Joseph: Bomb report in 2 weeks

MINISTER of National Security Martin Joseph said a forensic report on the explosive device that blew up on Monday on Frederick Street, injuring 14 people, will be ready in two weeks time. He was yesterday visiting the House of Representatives to relay to a motion by Caroni East MP Ganga Singh who had criticised the Government for showing a lack of leadership after the blast and on Wednesday during the impending strike of Hurricane Emily. Joseph said, “There is no definite explanation as to the type of device.” He said the blast was caused by a “low level improvised explosive device.”

Forensic swabs, he said, had detected the presence of Potassium Chlorate, which can be used in combination with other chemicals to create an explosion. Joseph said analysis and police investigations were continuing. No effort would be spared to bring the perpetrators to justice, he vowed. Investigations were being headed by Criminal Investigations Division (CID) head, Senior Superintendent Lennon Anton. “I commend the security forces for their timely and professional response to this incident.” Their presence at the blast site, he said, had prevented any possible escalation of the incident. Joseph vowed that all resources would be utilised to ensure an atmosphere of safety and peace of mind is returned to citizens. 

Joseph replied to Singh’s criticism that the 10 pm broadcast of Joseph’s statement on Monday to reassure citizens was too late. Joseph said, “Putting together an address to the nation at that time was very challenging.” At that the UNC MPs sniggered. He explained that it was very difficult to get staff at the Government Information Service because of the prevailing circumstances at that time. In addition, he said, he had left it to the discretion of individual media houses to choose when to broadcast his statement. “The tape was ready to broadcast by 8.30pm.” He said his only regret was that he had not interrupted the schedules of media houses for them to broadcast his statement earlier.