A grenade was last night lobbed outside the offices of the Kaieteur News at Saffon Street, Charlestown, where staff had gathered for a wake for one of its reporters.
The device, which did not explode, was thrown at a vehicle, belonging to Kaieteur News publisher Glenn Lall, which was parked in front of the building.
Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum confirmed the incident to Stabroek News and he said ranks from the ballistics department were at the scene. He added that it was too early to determine a motive.
Blanhum also noted that investigators would be reviewing footage from nearby CCTV cameras to identify whoever is responsible.
Stabroek News was told by a source that the device was hurled from a grey car, which was described as a Toyota Spacio. It landed near one of the front wheels of Lall’s vehicle.
At the time the incident occurred, a wake was being held for senior reporter Dale Andrews, who died yesterday morning due to poor health.
Andrews was 47.
Earlier, the Guyana Press Association (GPA) had said he would be remembered for his dedication to the profession, while adding that his colleagues had noted his deep and enduring passion for news.
According to the GPA, Andrews started his career at the then Guyana Broadcasting Corporation in the early 1990s and in 2001 joined Kaieteur News, where he served as a senior reporter and editor until his death.
It said Adam Harris, Editor-in-Chief of Kaieteur News, recalled that Andrews covered many stories during his tenure, and, notably, the 2002 Camp Street jailbreak and countless stories that touched on crime and security and social issues.
GPA President Neil Marks was quoted as saying that Andrews “treated every story with the same amount of excitement and dedication as if it were his biggest story ever.”
The GPA added that he would also be remembered for his willingness to guide young reporters and give advice whenever needed.
