APPENDIX VI
MIRROR TUESDAY MAY 14, 1963
POLICE RAID BARES LIST OF P.N.C. DETACHMENT NO. 1 OFFICERS
CUBAN BOOK OF GUERILLA WARFARE ALSO FOUND
The Police in their hunt for arms, ammunition and other documents have found the list of the names of the officers of a detachment of the People's National Congress at the home of Mr. Ivan Thomas, whose name was mentioned in the "X 13" plan found at Congress Place, Headquarters of the P.N.C.
Also found was a piece of paper with the means of such places as Freedom House, Radio Demerara, the Power Station, the Telephone Exchange, Water Works, the Premier's House, Mr. Brindley Benn's home and many important places.
A list with names of a number of women such as Miss Walcott, Miss Durham, Miss Callender, Miss Zephyr, Miss Rodney and others, who have been given special designation in a 'detachment' was also found. A book on Guerilla Warfare by Ernesto Che Guevara, of Cuba is among the finds.
RIFLE FOUND
The Police in a raid have found one Rifle, and 123 rounds of 22 bullets at the home of Mr. Vangenderen. Following is the complete list of things found at the home of Mr. Thomas.
One sheet paper marked, information of recruits, 13 sheets of typewritten paper or pamphlets (dealing with drill), 16 sheets of typewritten matter or pamphlets pinned together, one infantry training book Volume 1 Pamphlet No. 3, one Infantry training book Volume 1 Pamphlet No. 11, one Infantry training book Volume 1 Pamphlet No. 2, one Infantry training book, Volume IV - 1950, one infantry training book, Volume 1 Pamphlet No. 8, one small arms training book, Volume 1 Pamphlet No. 8, one small arms training book Volume 1 Pamphlet No. 21.
In addition were one sheet paper written in ink headed 'List of Officers No. 1 Detachment of the P.N.C.', one sheet of paper on which is written in ink demonstration of Crack and Thump, and names of places, Freedom House, etc., on the other side is the time table of Annual Camp 1961 recruits 'D' Company, one sheet paper with drawings of rifles headed Mechanism of Automatic Rifle, three (3) plans marked A and, B and C, and two (2) blue cards with drill instructions, two sheets paper showing names addressed and type of firearms, one typewritten sheet of paper headed 'These are rules governing X 13 one sketch of Radio Demerara, one book names 'Guerilla Warfare', by Ernesto Che Guevara and one slip of paper with writing headed 'P.N. C. flying squad'.
APPENDIX VII
"These are rules governing X13"
The Committee should comprise of men governing different sections or a particular type of work. The chairman could be a person employed by the party and a very high character, subject to the approval of the council. It therefore recommended Comrade Van Gendrine. He would be known or referred to as the 'Old Man'. He would be responsible directly to the leader Comrade L.F.S. Burnham, for projects, plans, etc., of this organisation. He would be advisor, organiser and co-ordinator.
Comrade I. Thomas would be responsible for all military training and military advice, posting of men for different duties and all orders should come through hum from the committee, to the men. All leaders and sub-leaders of the military side should deal directly with COMRADE I, Thomas he will be responsible to the committee for all actions taken, he should not arrive to a decision unless first discussion same with the committee.
No one should have the right to communicate directly or indirectly to a member or members by orders. All orders must come through the person responsible for that section.
Comrade Wilson would be responsible for radio communication and all records, he will also be responsible to the committee and no one should have the right to interfere with the field of work, unless first going through Comrade Wilson, who will be responsible to the committee. Comrade Smith will be responsible for Medical supplies and advice, he will also be responsible for all actions taken. Comrade Leacock will be a spear to the committee and he will be known as Area Command. He will be responsible to Comrade I, Thomas for all military actions taken in that area. These six gentlemen would form the committee which would dictate the policy of this organisation, and no action should be taken unless the matter was discussed by the committee comprised of the said men.
APPENDIX VIII
LIST OF ARTICLES FOUND AT P.N.C. HEADQUARTERS BY POLICE PARTY 4.5.63
1 knife in sheet
1 sixteen gauge empty cartridge
1 sixteen gauge empty cartridge
2 boxes each containing fifty .22 I.C.I. bullet.
1 box containing fifty .22 Remington Ni-speed bullets
1 box containing 42 rounds .22 Remington Kleandore Bullets
1 box containing 25 Eley 16 bore cartridge and only 1 Eley 16 bore cartridge
1 toy pistol.
1 bottle containing a quantity of liquid
1 box containing 24, 22 and 15 twelve gauge cartridges
1 dagger sheet
10 boxes each containing 25-16 gauge Eley cartridges and 3 boxes each containing 21, 12 and 14 16 gauge Eley cartridges
1 motor cycle chain
1 pen knife
1 piece wood
1 sling shot
1 piece wood with metal head
I iron rod and 1 piece electric wire
1 B.S.A. 2 Rifle No. LE64791 with 11 live rounds .22 ammunition property of Desmond Holder
1 Air Rifle marked 'Gocado' Model 25
1 piece pipe
1 bicycle chain with taped ends
1 cloth sack containing greenish grains
1 baton
1 bottle marked 'corrosive' on cork and containing liquid
1 bottle marked 'Nitric Acid' containing liquid
1 bottle with clear liquid marked 'M' and 'AA'
1 bottle labeled 'Potassium Nitrate' (Salt Peter) containing liquid
1 bottle marked 'Sodium Sulphate' containing liquid
1 tin labeled and marked 'Candy Crystal'
1 bottle containing liquid and labeled 'Potassium Hydroxide'
1 bottle containing liquid and labeled 'Acetone'
1 bottle containing clear liquid
1 parcel containing sulphur
5 target xxxxx
1 piece of paper with drawings
1 piece of paper with training programme
1 Browing xxxxx Pistol Booklet
1 Plan
1 piece of paper with Rules
1 fore and Back Sight Gauge picture
APPENDIX 1
SECRET
RESEARCH PAPER ON THE ACTIVITIES of the PEOPLE'S NATIONAL CONGRESS TERRORIST ORGANISATION
On 1st April, 1963 the People's National Congress established a Security force with six xxxxx party members. Claude Graham, ex-Deputy Superintendent of Police, is the Head and Edward Van Genderen is the Deputy Head. The Force would be established all over the country with individual groups and members attached to each party group. The main functions are:-
This organisation is interested in agents in other political parties and the police force, especially the special branch, also the Civil Service and other Government Departments. Efforts are being made to obtain funds for the Force from the United States of America, and arms from Dutch Guyana and Venezuela.
One day during the month of May, 1963, a meting was held at Congress Place between 11.00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m. by the L.F.S. Burnham, Claude Graham and Hamilton Green. At the meeting it was decided to use explosives on all Government buildings, the latter being the Government Ferry Stelling and the Government Produce Depot, Lombard Street. This decision was taken in order to:-
SECRET 2
One day during the week ending 4th May, 1963, between 4.40 p.m. and 5.00 p.m., Claude Graham held a meeting at LEGIONNAIRES' HALL, at FIFTH & LIGHT STREETS. Among those present were:-
IVELOW MIRANDA of SANDY BABB STREET, KITTY
BROOMER (fnu)
DE FREITAS the carpenter
DANIELS (fnu) and
GEORGE ARCHER of 344 MIDDLE STREET, NORTH CUMMINGSBURG.
Claude Graham informed the men of the formation for the Security Force of the P.N.C. and told them that he wanted good disciplined men who were ex-soldiers. He said that the duty of the men was to guard homes of party Officials. He intimated that the theft of arms and ammunition was essential. He wanted certain men to instruct in small arms training. The men he intended to recruit were not to visit Congress Place for fear that they might be known. He warned them that traitors were not required and they should give their names and army regimental numbers if they were interested. The men who were present did so.
At the time of the meeting of the party had five hundred sticks of dynamite, blasting gelatin and safety fuses which were kept in an engine case at CLARKE & MARTIN, BRICKDAM. The explosive were brought from Kwakwani early in May 1963 by William Blair, Member of the Legislative Assembly, and from Stampa Quarry on 8th May, 1963 by Eugene Correia and one Williams who works at Stampa. (Williams is a 'NEW NATION' Vendor and once worked at WINIPERU).
Following an executive meeting of the party held in May 1963, L.F.S. Burnham asked Ivan Williams to get a good man employed at the Rice Marketing Board for him to blow up the Rice Marketing Board. Ivan Williams enquired and was directed to Norbert Hunte or Naboth Junte of 301 East Ruimveldt who was employee of the Rice Marketing Board.
Ivan Williams and Rupert Smith went to Hunte, told him what he wanted to do and he agreed. That evening they took him to the office of Clarke & Martin where he (HUNTE) met L.F.S. Burnham. Hunte was instructed by L.F.S. Burnham to go back to work regularly and he would give him (HUNTE) explosives to carry to the Rice Marketing Board to destroy the place. He agreed to do the job and was offered $400 - by L.F.S. Burnham. He went back to work as instructed.
On 31st May, 1963, Edward Van Genderen left British Guiana for Paramariba. L.F.S. Burnham later told a trusted party member that Van Genderen had left for New York via Paramaribo for the purpose of learning to make bombs to be used by the party. His expenses were paid by the party. The amount of $3,000 - was taken from Collection at Congress. A group of P.N.C. Supporters in New York will contribute towards his stay there. He left under the cover that he was fearful of his life or account of the leakage of Plan X13. (Plan X 13 was made to defend party members who are outnumbered by PPP members in any district. Trained men in Georgetown will go to those areas as defensive measures when the time comes. The officers in charge of the operations will be Claude Graham, Van Genderen, Thomas and Leacock. This plan was scrapped since the publication in the newspapers as each man blamed the other for the leakage of the information).
On 4th June, 1963, Joseph Aaron and Percy Carrol brought a parcel of dynamite from Mackenzie by launch and handed it over to Sydney Thompson of Lodge Housing Scheme, Sydney Thompson later handed over the parcel of dynamite to Claude Graham, his brother-in-law, who took it away.
On Saturday, 8th June, 1963, at about 8.50 a.m. L.F.S. Burnham had a discussion with Claude Graham and another militant party member on party matters and security measures L.F.S. Burnham had said that they must decide to be ruthless and whatever came they must be prepared to abide with the consequences because they have to use things against the PPP. They, the PNC must destroy them by means of sabotage and hand grenades must be collected as early as possible.
On 8th June, 1963, at about 11.00 a.m. King called Clement Thompson to the Union Hall at Urquhart Street. King told him he had a job to do at the Rice Marketing Board and he did not know how to get there to do it. He said that he knew that Thompson was acquainted with the area under the wharf and asked him if he would undertake the job to carry himself and BIG UNCLE, who was present then, under the wharf to do the job, Thompson agreed. They arranged to meet at the Union Hall at night fall.
On 8th June, 1963, at about 6.15 p.m. Hunte received from L.F.S. Burnham $46:- as an advance to do the job at the Rice Marketing Board. At 6.30 p.m. on the 8th June, 1963, Hamilton Green and Claude Graham gave Hunte explosives in a hand bag rom the stock they had at Clarke & Martin to carry out the mission of destroying the Rice Marketing Board. After receiving the explosive, Hunte went to the house of Rev. Trotman's at Breda Street. He did not go back to report the results of the mission.
Between 7.00 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. on June 1963 Clement Thompson, King and Big Uncle went at the Union Hall and removed two bags with explosives to Rahaman's Sawmill wharf. They boarded the boar Parakeet and went under the wharf with the explosives. There they charges were set by King who climbed on the shoulders of Big Uncle to reach the spots where they placed them. They lighted the fuses while Clement Thompson looked on. There was some trouble to get them lighted and the matches got wet. Thompson went to Rahaman's Sawmill, got matches and went back to them where they lighted the fuses. After that they left, leaving one of the hand bags behind. The following day Clement Thompson went back under the wharf to steal rice and saw the charges there.
On the 10th June, 1963 seventy nine sticks of dynamite were found at the Rice Marketing Board with safety fuses, also a handbag which Hunte had left with. Following this, L.F.S. Burnham said that Hunte had sold them out and it was a good thing that he was not paid the full amount. Following the failure of the operation, Claude Graham brought twelve men from Anns Grove, E.C.D., who were members of a chain gang which was operating in Georgetown. Prior to this they had been to Congress Place in March 1963, and had undergone training there. There were lectured to by Stanley Hugh on 'Party Activities' and by Claude Graham on 'Sabotage'.
The following members were traced to be members of the Security Forces:-
Claude Graham of Perseverance, E.C.D.
Edward Van Genderen (now out of the country).
Rupert Smith of 140 West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme.
Maurice Edinboro of 63 Hunter Street, Albouystown.
Sydney Thompson of Lodge Housing Scheme.
Hamilton Green of 58 Howes Street, Charlestown.
Ivan Williams of 312 East Ruimveldt Housing Scheme.
Clement Thompson of 8 Mundy Street, Georgetown.
Samuel Shepherd of Perseverance, E.C.D.
John Gomes of 6 West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme.
Ivan Thomas of 527 West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme.
Anthony Phillipe of 4 West Ruimveldt. He is suspected as being a double agent as he works for the United Force.
Rudolph Fritt of 18-18 Haly Street. He is employed at the Russian Bear Bar 8 Water Street.
Samuel Hamilton of Golden Grove, E.C.D.
Churchill Mc Bean of 30 First Street, Alexander Village.
James Burgess of Golden Grove, E.C.D.
William Bryan of Bagotstown, E.B.D.
Fredrick Dick of Nabaclis, E.C.D.
Ovid Wilson of Nabaclis, E.C.D.
David Sam of 145 Prospect Housing Scheme, E.C.D.
Herman Cobennna of Corbina of Congress Place.
Calvin Angoy of Golden Grove, E.C.D.
Dennis Yearwood of 9 East Bagotstown, E.B.D.
Courtney Edwards of Bagotstown, E.B.D.
Godgrey Egerton of 14 Norton Street, Werk-en-Rust.
Samuel Whyte of Golden Grove, E.B.D.
Norman Gonsalves of Congress Place.
Herman Prince of Bagotstown, E.B.D.
Randolph Eversley of 360 East Ruimveldt, E.B.D.
Reuben Lewis of Craig, E.B.D.
Isaac Henry of 246 Middle Street, Georgetown.
Geroge Benjamin of 101 West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme.
Eustace Hall of 2A Queen Street, Cummingsburg.
Emanuel Fairbain of Congress Place.
Arthur Headley of Congress Place.
Winston Woolford of 686 Far East La Penitence Housing Scheme.
Darrell Simon of Golden Grove, E.B.D.
Peter Anderson of 28 Queen Street, Kitty.
Gordon Parris - a clerk employed at Clarke & Martin, Brickdam, G'town.
Michael Dorne of 345 West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme.
Patrick Gill of Water Side, Bagotstown, E.B.D.
Leslie Lawson of Anns Grove, E.B.D.
Charles Nedd of 345 West Ruimveldt.
Ernest Robinson of 576 East Ruimveldt Housing Scheme.
Richard Ishmael of 211 Camp &New Market St., Georgetown.
Wendell Babb of Mc Kenzie, Demerara River.
Basil Blair.
Peter D'Aguiar (unconfirmed report was received from one source in relation to him).
John Henry Thijis of 75 Costello House, La Penitence.
Gerard D. O'Keefe an American Citizen.
Peter Anderson, a European of 28 Queen Street, Kitty, the son-in-law of Evan Wong, came to notice as a person who would supply hand grenades to the P.N.C. to be used for destructive purposes. This information came from one source, a person who is closely connected to L.F.S. Burnham in political activities and in this organization and is placed on record for what it is worth.
On 19th June, 1963, Clement Thompson was given the job to sink the ship Makouria by putting explosive charges at the stern and the bow. He was given money to go across the ferry and survey the ship and the stelling area. He did so, but to undertake the job successfully he would have to do some diving and he decided not to take the job. He was offered a bonus and $25:- per week. He was offered the job by John Henry Thijis of Costello House, La Penitence, described as a tall brown skinned African man who is usually seen at D'Aguiar Bros. and drives a green car - PA 606.
On 21st June, 1963, the Doren Cinema at Vlissengen Road was set on fire by the son of Aleinder and two brothers from Alberttown. Their names and exact address were not obtained.
Following this meeting, campaigns of hooliganism were carried out in Georgetown and the East Bank Demerara. Several persons were beaten. The campaigns were to be carried out until L.F.S. Burnham informed the organisers to call them off. The campaign lasted until July 1963.
Plans were also made by Parris, Charles Nedd and two others to destroy House 17 at East Ruimveldt, Apt. 639 of West Ruimveldt and the Shop owned by the occupier (James Lawson) of Apt. 639 West Ruimveldt. The reasons for these planned attacks were-
Attorney Phillipe would have supplied the explosive as it was claimed that he was getting the explosive through the United Force. He was suspected of being a paid United Force spy used to penetrate the P.N.C. to obtain information for the United Force and to organise small gangs of P.N.C. Youths to carry out acts of violence and destruction.
On 9th July, 1963 King was injured when he was preparing explosives to go on a mission. This occurred in a house occupied by the two brothers in Alberttown. After the incident, Babb, Richard Ishmael, Basil Blair and Carto went out in cars to search for King as he did not go to the Hospital. He was found but was unable to take part in any operations then.
L.F.S. Burnham had planned to hold a meeting with certain members of the Volunteer Force at the office of Clarke & Martin on 21st July, 1963, for the purpose of arranging to get arms as it was alleged that the PPP had arms and they were still getting arms.
On 21st July, 1963, at 10.07 a.m. L.F.S. Burnham met Arthur Forde, Warrant Officer of the B.G. Volunteer Force at his office at Clarke & Martin, Brickdam. At the meeting L.F.S. Burnham told Forde that the people were not xxxxx a good cause. Forde told him that he had no control over arms because he was demobilised. He promised to give the names of the men who had control over the vaults. A trusted party member was then told that he would be responsible to make contact with the men in order to get hand grenades, sten guns, rifles and ammunition.
At 10.45 a.m. that day Forde and the member went to the Volunteers' Mess at Eve Leary. At the Sergeants' Mess, Forde pointed out Staff Sergeant Peters of Austin Street, Campbellville and one Pilgrim of Lying Street, Charlestown. The member was instructed to work on these two men in order to get them to meet L.F.S. Burnham. The men were also introduced to six other members of the Volunteer Force.
By this time a gang of sabateurs was established at Mc Kenzie and Wismar, consisting of 10 members of the P.N.C. They had been instructed to use incendiary bombs to cause destruction. They are responsible for the recent attempts of arson in the area. The names of the leader of the men are not yet known. These men will travel to Georgetown during the month of August, 1963, to receive instructions in saboteurs method at Congress Place. They had been instructed not to give any statement to the Police if they were caught and not to sign any statement written by the Police.
On 23rd July, 1963, L.F.S. Burnham who had previously arranged to go to the Rendezvous Restaurant, did not go. He had mentioned in a telephone conversation that he was suffering from a cold and was instructed by Dr. Williams to keep away from crowds to prevent the infection from spreading. Five persons including Arthur Forde who had met at the Rendezvous Restaurant left after the conversation for El Globo, Regent Road, Bourda, where they drank and held discussions. The men who are members of the B.G. Volunteer Force mentioned that they would give the Party (PNC) full support in relation to the instructions in the handling of arms in defensive measures. Ninety-five per cent of the members of the Volunteer Force were already to defend themselves the PNC and United Force against Communism. A revolution must start at some point, with the British Army taking over strategic points and the Volunteer Force standing by in Georgetown and New Amsterdam. Within 36 hours, the Americans would be in the Country and within forty eight hours the Government would be ousted from office by force.
On 24th July, 1963, at 8.40 a.m. Peters, a Staff Sergeant of Austin Street, Campbellville, went to the office of L.F.S. Burnham at Clarke & Martin.
The Staff Sergeant who was questioned by L.F.S. Burnham said that he was permanently employed with the Volunteer Force; he was a supporter of the PNC. He was in charge of arms. The Volunteer Force had 600 men, more than 600 rifles, 80 sten guns and 60 bren guns. He was not responsible for hand grenades and he did not know how many were in stock. It was difficult for him to obtain any arms from the stock as checks are made twice per month and no notice was given before checking. Two persons usually worked in the vault and collected the key form the police, who ever was on duty at Eve Leary and signed for it. Requisition Forms had to be signed before anything was removed from the vault. Persons losing ammunition would be court marshalled and might be defended by Counsel but if found guilty will be imprisoned. The magazine at Kelly Dam was watched by an ex serviceman who lived on the premises and had access to the key which was lodged with the police, but he was not permitted to go to the vault alone. L.F.S. Burnham instructed a member to check with the ex serviceman and the police to find out what was kept in the vault and who kept the key for the vault.
Edward Vangenderen returned to British Guiana on 30th July, 1963, and visited L.F.S. Burnham at his chambers at Clarke & Martin on 3rd August, 1963 where they had a discussion. (He left British Guiana on 9th August, 1963).
On August 3, 1963, at 2.30 p.m. Carto met Clement Thompson at Belvedere Hotel and told him that he wanted to blow up the Russian ship which was in port at the B.G. Rice Marketing Board. Carto has said that he wanted the job to be done on the Friday night before. Clement Thompson told him that it was a difficult operation. Carto told him that he had a diving suit and would give him to do the job. He offered Thompson $400:- to do the job with $100:- as bonus. Thompson received $25:- and Joe Young (Malcolm Williams) received $25:- as advance. On the night of August 3, 1963 Joe Young could not be found. Carto and King went to Thompson at Agricola, took him to Bagotstown, and showed him the house of Gill. Carto told him that he would get the explosive from Gill. He went to the house of Gill. Gill gave him a loaded pistol. Another man whose name he does not know was resent and Gill gave him a loaded pistol too. At the house there was large biscuit tins with 500 sticks of blasting gelatin in it. There was a watch to time the explosion and it was timed for 3 a.m. on August 4, 1963. The tin with the explosive was to be anchored by the engine room of the ship. An anchor and rope was provided. The charge would have to be set about two inches under the ship in the river. Thompson was shown how to connect the device.
A boat was stolen at Bagotstown to travel to Georgetown to attack the ship. Thompson went home to Agricola and did not go to take part in the operation as planned. He had told the other man to stay away too. This man had receive $10:- from King. While he was home at 4.30 a.m. on August 4, 1963, King went to him and told him that he started to celebrate too early. He had been awake at 3.00 a.m. He did not hear the explosion so he had gone to find out what was the cause. Thompson then told him that the Police was on his trail so he could not go. He (King) carried him to the house of Gill in car PE 71 driven by a man who is unknown to him (Thompson). A lad was in the car with him. They had a quarrel because Joe Young had not turned up as arranged. King had told him that he did not want the owner of the car to know that he had gone there. He returned the pistol to King who collected the other one from Gill. King left at 4.50 a.m. saying that another car would go for the explosive at Gill's house at daylight. After this incident, King told him that the owner of the car was questioned by the Police. He then said that the chauffeur got to know too much about the transaction so that they would have to bump him off to prevent the information from leaking out.
On August 4, 1963, at 5.00 a.m. when Clement Thompson was at home, he confessed to his sister Margaret that the men wanted him to blow up the Government Petrol Tanks at Kingston, but he refused to do the job although he had been assured that the flaming Petrol would be drifter out to the sea with the falling tide and it would not have caused damaged to Kingston area. The attack was planned to be carried out from the river and shears would be provided to cut the wire fence to gain entrance and exit.
Metropole Cinema, Robb Street.
Rio Cinema, Albouystown.
A Laundry at D'Urban & Hardina Streets.
The Oil Tanks at Kingston.
The Russian or Cuban Ship, whichever arrives in port first.
The attacks are to be carried out on these places for the following reasons:-
The Cinemas are owned by East Indians.
The Laundry was operated during the strike period.
To destroy the tanks and Petrol stored by Government.
No reason was given for the planned attack on the ship.
The password for the terrorist organisation if the PNC is 'forty four'. That is used when a member is in doubt of any person when important transactions are taking place. The code name of Dynamite is 'Cigarette'.
This organization is managed by Claude Graham and financed by Gerald O'Keefe, an American Citizen whose foreign address is 3531 Valley Da Alex, United States of America. He was born in New York, U.S.A., on the 16th December, 1927 and travels on passport 2030102, issued on 18th March, 1960 in Washington. He gave his occupation as Attorney.
His movements is the colony are as follows:-
ARRIVAL DEPARTURE
20th February, 1962 30th March, 1962
13th April, 1963 14th April, 1963
3rd August, 1963 4th August, 1963
Monitary transactions are made through Richard Ishmael.
OBSERVATION
This organization which is backed by a trade Union representative and political leaders, has resorted to acts of sabotage and terrorism. It is paving the way for the overthrow of the democratically elected Government by force and it should be considered as a security target of great importance if the democratically elected Government should be given the protection and security of governing for the period it should be in office.
REMARKS
The information which was put in the paragraphs above were obtained from Special Branch Agents of some reliability who were placed in the People's National Congress on long term arrangements. They operate independently of each other and hold trusted office in the Party's organisation and as such they were able to obtain the information. In the case of the bombing of Seepaul's house on 3rd July, 1963, one agent took part in the operation. Some of the information was also obtained from a well known thief who took part in some of the operations and got knowledge of some of the incidents and persons connected with them through his activities in the organisation. Information also came from other sources.
Investigation is being carried out to find out full names and addresses of persons in the Organisation, more about their method of operation and place of storage of explosives.
P. Britton, Supt.
14/8/63
3 copies handed in to Mr. Martin on 14/8/63
for C.C.P.
APPENDIX II
POLICE HEADQUARTERS
Eve Leary
11th September, 1963.
Assistant Commissioner of Crime,
I have investigated nineteen reports of crimes which occurred between the 8th June, 1963 and 21st July, 1963 which include placing explosives to building, destroying building with explosives and arson. I am of the opinion that there is evidence to support a charge of conspiracy, contrary to section 34 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Ordinance, Chapter 10. The following persons are involved in the crime:-
Claude Graham of Perseverance, E.C.D.
L.F.S. Burnham, of A183 Robins Place, East Bel Air Park.
Hamilton Green of 58 Howes St., Charlestown.
Ivan Williams of 312 East Ruimveldt.
Nabo Hunte of 85 Murray St., Georgetown.
Vibart King of 237 Alexander St., Lacytown.
John Aleinder of 2A Queens Street, Cummingsburg.
John Henry Thijis of 75 Costello House, La Penitence.
Samuel Hamilton called Big Uncle of Golden Grove.
Leslie Lawson of Anns Grove, E.B.D.
Sidney Ifill of 138 Garnett St., Newtown, Kitty.
Maurice Edinboro of Lodge Village.
Herman Cobenna of Kitty.
Rupert Smith of 140 West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme.
Llewellyn John of 65 Church Road & David St., Subryanville.
Dr. Ptolemy Reid of 18/12 bel Air Park East.
Royden Field Ridley of Hadfield St.
Gordon Parris of West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme.
Richard Ishmael of 211 Camp &New Market Streets.
Michael Dorne of 345 West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme.
Charles Nedd of 345 West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme.
One Williams of Alexander Village, East Bank Demerara.
Patrick Gill of Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara.
William Carto of 204 New Market St., Georgetown.
Basil Blair of KK Hadfield St., Wortmanville.
and other persons whose identities are known.
The facts are as follows:-
On Saturday the 6th April, 1963, between 8.30 a.m. and 12 midnight, Corporal 5207 Murray of special branch attended a party which was held under the house occupied by Constable 4958 Alexander of Prince William Street, Plaisance, E.C.D. There he saw Deputy Superintendent of Police, Claude Graham. They had a conversation, during the conversation Graham impressed Corporal Murray that he was a strong supporter and confidential member of the People's National Congress of which L.F.S. Burnham is the Leader. Graham told the Subordinate Officer that the People's National Congress had formed a secret security force on the 1st April, 1963, headed by him, (Graham). Edward Van Genderen was his deputy and that effects were being made to get James Phoenix, ex Senior Superintendent of Police to join them.
The force would be established all over the Colony and its functions would be:-
To collect all types of information.
To screen Party executives, employees and activists.
To organise gangs to commit sabotage in time of tension and to answer to the P.Y.O. (Progressive Youth Organization).
To protect People's National Congress executives and other party personalities.
To train their members in the use of arms with the main emphasis being on shot guns, pistols and rifles which would be most needed in the event of Civil War.
The organization was interested in having agents in other political parties, the Police Force, especially the Special Branch, Civil Service and other Govt Departments. Efforts are being made to obtain funds and arms from abroad. They were wise of the activities of the People's Progressive Party.
On the 4th May, 1963, at 5.45 a.m., Asst. Commissioner Puttock, Deputy Supt. Fraser and other Policemen went to Congress Place with a search warrant. At 6.45 a.m. Hamilton Green went there. The search warrant was read to him and the place was searched. They found the following:-
A quantity of ammunition.
A B.S.A. 122 Rifle No. 64791.
5 target discs.
A piece of paper with drawing.
A plan.
A booklet concerning Baby Browing Pistol.
One sheet of type-written instructions concerning military training.
A fore and back site gauge diagram.
The articles listed from (iii) to (viii) were found in a desk drawer. Hamilton green said that the desk was used by Claude Graham. A quantity of offensive weapons were also found in the building. Those articles were removed to C.I.D. Headquarters.
On the 7th May, 1963, Claude Graham came to C.I.D. Headquarters at the invitation of Deputy Supt. Fraser. He was shown the articles listed from (iii) to (viii). He was told that the articles were found in the drawer of a desk in an office at the People's National Congress Headquarters in the presence of Hamilton Green and information was received from Hamilton Green that the desk in which the articles were found was used by him (Graham) to carry out his duties as Security Officer for the Party. Graham denied all knowledge of the articles, but agreed that the handwriting on the paper marked 'Training Programme', appeared to be similar to his. Graham was then informed that further inquires would be made concerning the organisation described as X 13.
One day in May, 1963, a meeting was held at Congress Place, Carmichael St., between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. by L.F.S. Burnham, Claude Graham and Hamilton Green in the presence of Robert Michell. At this meeting it was decided by these men to use explosives on all Govt. Ministries, the Rice Marketing Board, The Govt. Ferry Stelling, The Govt. Produce Depot, Lombard St. The decision was taken by the men in order to:-
Put all the Ministries out of compliance.
Prevent the scale of foreign goods at the Govt. Produce Depot which would bring revenue to the country.
Forestall the plans of Hon. E.M.G. Wilson who caused the ferry boar to operate.
Destroy the premises of the Rice Marketing Board and the entire stock of rice and equipment in order to stall the progress of the Rice Industry.
After the completion of the meeting, Mr. L.F.S. Burnham mentioned that he had received gifts of dynamite from Joseph Aaron, Percy Carroll, Eugene Correia, Alexander Williams and William Blair. He pointed to a case which was in Congress Place when he had made mention of the gifts, of dynamite. Two days later, Robert Michell saw several similar cases in a large case in the kitchen section of the office of Clarke & Martin. One day later, in the very month Ivan Williams told him (Robert Michell) in the presence of Rupert Smith, that L.F.S. Burnham asked him to search for a man who was trustworthy and could be used for setting explosives at the Rice Marketing Board. Later Ivan Williams told him that he had made contact and he had to go back later the very day. At 4.25 a.m. that day, he (Robert Michell) went to the home of Ivan Williams who said that he was getting ready to go to the Leader because the chaps decided to do the job. Beatrice Rowlands, the reputed wife of Naboth Hunte also known as Norbert Hunte, spoke to him (Robert Michell) as a result of what she told him, he told Ivan Williams and Rupert Smith of the fear of Beatrice Rowlands over the job given to Naboth Hunte. Ivan Williams then said that the woman was troublesome.
At about 5.30 p.m. that day he (Robert Michell) went to the Office of Clarke & Martin at Brickdam there he met L.F.S. Burnham, Claude Graham and Mr. Noore, the Clerk in charge of the Office. While they were there Naboth Hunte arrived followed by Hamilton Green and the son of Rev. Trotman. L.F.S. Burnham told Naboth Hunte to go back to work, at all cost at the Rice Marketing Board.
On the 8th June, 1963, at about 8.30 a.m. Robert Michell went to the Office of Mr. Burnham. There he met L.F.S. Burnham and Claude Graham. In a conversation Mr. Burnham said that they must decide to be ruthless and whatever came they must be prepared to abide with the consequences; they had to use things against the PPP. They must destroy them by means of sabotage and hand grenades must be collected as early as possible.
At about midday the same day (8/6/63) Clement Thompson was called from New Market Street to Transport House (a Union Hall) at Urquhart St., by Vibart King of 237 Alexander Street, Lacytown. He went to the Union Hall and met King and one Tall Boy there. King told him in the presence and hearing of Tall Boy that they wanted to go under the Rice Marketing Board to do a job but they did not know the place. He (Vibart King) was aware that he (Clement Thompson) knew the area and enquired from him if he could take them there. Clement Thompson agreed and it was arranged that the three of them should meet at the said union hall at night fall.
The very day at about 4.30 p.m., Robert Michell went back to the office and met Hamilton Green, L.F.S. Burnham and Naboth Hunte. L.F.S. Burnham handed $46:- to Naboth Hunte. Claude Graham and Hamilton Green took Naboth Hunte to the passage near the kitchen and Hamilton Green handed Naboth Hunte a maroon handbag which was laden with something. He had seen the bag before in the office of Hamilton Green at Congress Place, Carmichael St. Mr. Burnham asked him how he would carry the things and Hamilton Green said that the distance from the office to Breda St., was not far. Michell went away with the son of the Rev. Trotman and Naboth Hunte met them at Breda St., talking. He went away leaving Naboth Hunte and Trotman on the street. The time was about 6.30 p.m.
At 7.30 p.m. on the 8th June, 1963 Clement Thompson went to the Union Hall. There he met Vibart King and Tall Boy with two handbags containing explosives; one William and another man was present. One of the handbags was a maroon one. He took them to Rahaman's Saw Mill's wharf, they boarded the boat Parakeet and later went under the Rice Marketing Board wharf. There King climbed on the shoulders of Tall Boy and set dynamite with long fuses. These were taken from the handbags. King started to light the fuses but with some difficulty. He (Thompson) left them there and went to Rahaman's Saw Mill and got matches. He gave then the matches and went away. He has assisted them voluntarily. He was not paid by anyone. On the 9th June, 1963, the Russian Ship 'Kirovish' arrived alongside the Rice Marketing Board wharf. Labourers were employed on the ship by Charles Inca, a ship steward from the Guiana Import Export Corporation. Among those who were employed was Naboth Hunte.
On 10th June, 1963, Ole and Thompson went back under the Rice Marketing Board wharf to steal rice and he saw the charges of dynamite there. On the same day between 6.00 p.m. and 7.00 p.m. while Abdool Majeed and Basheer, Security Guards of the Rice Marketing Board were on duty searching under the wharf of the rice Marketing Board they saw a lighted fuse. The fuse was out and several parcels of explosives were found under the wharf between that time and 1.00 a.m. on the 11th June, 1963. Seventy nine sticks of blasting gelatin with fuses and detonators were found there under the wharf beams. The maroon handbag was found under the wharf on the mud. Those articles were handed over to Percy France, the Chief Security Guard, who handed them over to Deputy Supt. Fraser and Asst. Supt. Welcome. These were kept at the magazine at Kelly Dam. Photographs were taken by 5160 Sergeant Williams of the spots where the explosives were found. One day after the explosives were found at the Rice Marketing Board, L.F.S. Burnham told Robert Michell that it was a god thing that he did not pay off Naboth Hunte as it appeared as if he sold them out.
Naboth Hunte was found by the Police on the 30th June, 1963. He was told of the information at the disposal of the Police. He was cautioned and he made a statement which was taken down by Inspector Simon. The statement was read over to him. He said that it was true and correct and he signed his name to it. He admitted that he worked on the Russian Ship when the explosives were found. He is a blaster but he never had possession of the explosives and the handbag. The last time he visited the office of L.F.S. Burnham was on the 6th June, 1963.
The Transport and Harbours Dept. has its head office at Main Street, Georgetown. At the yard Adolphus Bleaman was employed as a watchman on the night of the 16th June, 1963, and the morning of the 17th June, 1963. George Washington was also employed there that night and early morning as a standby chauffeur. These two men made periodical checks in the compound and building.
At 5.10 p.m. on the 17th June, 1963, while they were on the premises there was a loud explosion at the south western corner of the middle flat of the building. The explosion damaged the western wall, the toilet pipe and widows near the records office of the Dept. Captain V. Stafford, an expert in explosives visited the scene at about 7.30 p.m. the same day. He did not find any fragments. He is of the opinion that the charge which caused the explosion consisted of several sticks of gelignite, detenator and a short fuse. Constable 6132 Young took samples of the debris and removed a tin from the scene. These articles were sent to the Govt. Analyst for examination.
Doren Cinema was a wooden building at Vlissengen Road, owned by the Indian Overseas International (B.G.) Ltd. It was valued at $163,000:- and insured in the name of Jagat Persaud in the sum of $100,000:- against fire, lighting, full explosion, riot, strike and malicious damage.
On 21st June, 1963, there was a show at the cinema which ended at about 9.50 p.m. The cinema was locked and the following persons slept in it:-
Rajnaith Kumar
Zainool Khan
Bharrat
The latter went to the cinema to sleep at about 11.00 p.m. At about 12.45 a.m. on the 22nd June, 1963, the building was discovered on fire and Bharrat who is the father of Rajnauth Kumar, who is known as Kenneth awoke the occupants of the cinema. At that time the fire was on the northern wall and on the screen.
The Fire Brigade arrived and put out the flames but the building was destroyed. In the debris a one gallon can and two bottles were found. They smelt of gasolene. One shelltox can was fund containing gasolene. These were sent to the Govt. Analyst. The wiring and electrical equipment were checked about three month before the fire. They were in good order. About four days after the building was destroyed by fire, John Alsender of 2A Queen Street, Cummingsburg, confessed to Clement Thompson at Belvedere Hotel that he and a man from Alberttown had set the Cinema afire and Vibart King and Richard Ishmael did not want to pay him. Hon Alsender is the holder of a membership card No. 19097 of the Lodge Group of the People's National Congress.
On the 19th June, 1963, John Henry Thijis and Vibart King took Clement Thompson from Transport House to De Freitas Stone Crushing Plant, Water Street by motor car PA 606 owned by Thijis. Thijis showed him the M.V. Makouria which was moored at the Ferry Stelling, Stabroek, and told him in the presence of King that he wanted him to blow up the propeller or the rudder of the said ship. He told Thijis that the job could not be done because he had to do some diving and the tide was low. Thijis took him back to Transport House. Thijis had promised him a bonus of $25:- per week if he had done the job.
On Saturday, 22nd June, 1963, during the afternoon hours at Congress Place, Carmichael Street, Samuel Hamilton called BIG UNCLE, Leslie Lawson and four members of the PNC Saboteur Gang had a discussion in the presence of Robert Michell. Hamilton said that Claude Graham had given them instructions to go to the Ferry Stelling four o'clock the following morning to carry out an attack on the ship Makouria.
On the 23rd June, 1963, Nathaniel George was on the ship Makouria asleep near the wheel house. Ewald Calder, a sailor was on the ship. George Singh was a watchman on the ship and Sydney was a watchman in the enclosure of the stelling. At about 5 a.m. there was an explosive on the selling near the ship Makouria which rocked the vessel and damaged a portion of the stelling and the electrical mechanism of the gantry. At that time the watchman, Sydney Ifill was outside the enclosure of the stelling which was not his post. The explosion caused Nathaniel George, Ewald Calder and George Singh to leave the ship. When they got on the stelling they saw the damage. They also saw an African man within the enclosure of the stelling. This man escaped as other persons went to the scent. A search was made for him without success.
The scene was visited by Captain V. Stafford, an expert in explosives, on 23rd June, 1963. He is of the opinion that the explosion was caused by a parcel of gelignite which exploded at the junction of two large beams causing the greater part of the damage to be above. No fragments were found by him.
On 23rd June, 1963, at about 6.30 a.m. Robert Michell was told something by Bonny Limpy at the Office of Clarke & Martin. As a result of that he went to Congress Place. There he met Samuel Hamilton and others. They had a discussion and Hamilton said that he had gone to the Ferry Stelling earlier with Leslie Lawson to blow up the boat. They found it impossible to get at the boat so they set twelve sticks of dynamite on the stelling. He went away after setting the charge and left Leslie Lawson there. While he was at Croal & Water Street the explosion occurred. Leslie Lawson laughed at him and called him a coward. Leslie Lawson said that after the explosion he left the stelling and went to the offices of Clarke and Martin. Samuel Hamilton said that as far as he was concerned 'Coward man keeps whole bones.' While the conversation was going on, Maurice Edinboro said that he had spoken to the watchman to allow the men to go in and do the job. Maurice Edinboro is a clerk at the Transport & Harbours Dept. When this matter was being investigated, Sydney Ifill made a statement which was taken down in writing.
Later that very morning, Clement Thompson went to Belvedere Hotel and met John Alexander and two brothers from Alberttown, tall Boy and others drinking. Richard Ishmael was there but not in the company. John Alsender then told Clement Thompson that he and one of the brothers from Alberttown had blown up the stelling and they were then celebrating.
The Ministry of Home Affairs is housed in a wooden building at Brickdam and Magnet Place. On the 23rd June, 1963, Joseph Collymore was employed there as a watchman. At about 7.00 p.m. he made a check around the building and in the compound. He round everything in order. At about 7.45 p.m. he went to the western side of the building under the lamp and commenced to read. While he was there at 8.00 p.m. he heard a loud explosion at the northern side of the building, he went to that side and discovered that the northern side of the building and the zinc paling to the north of the building were damaged. The cost of reconditioning the damaged building is $958.77.
Captain V. Stafford, an expert in explosives, visited the scene shortly after the explosion and carried out and examination. He found that extensive damage was done to the building by an explosion of a parcel of gelignite about 4 feet from the building, approximately to the center of the rear (north). There was no fragment of the explosive charge. He is of the opinion that a bomb, consisting of gelignite, detonator and fuse, was used to cause the explosion.
Asst. Commissioner of Crime Carl Austin, Corporal 5083 Williams and Police Dog Rio visited the site of the explosion at 8.40 p.m. Corporal 5386 Williams the dog handler and he was trained for the purpose. Rio the dog was trained in obedience, picking up scent, and tracking. Having visited the scent the dog tracked the scent and captured Leslie Lawson in the yard of Clarke & Martin which is the yard immediately east of the said Ministerial Building.
The Asst. Commissioner of Crime told Leslie Lawson that an explosion had occurred at the Ministry of Home Affairs asked him if he had heard the explosion. Lawson said yes that he was in the compound when the explosion occurred. In answer to questions, Leslie Lawson said that he belonged to Anns Grove, E.C.D. and he was a watchman employed by Mr. Burnham. He had gone to the compound (Clarke & Martin) at 6.00 o'clock and never left his post. He was searched by Asst. Commissioner of Crime who smelt his hands. His hands smelt of blasting gelatin or gelignite. Lawson's attention was drawn to that and he said that he had just finished eating. He did not say what he had eaten. He was told by the Asst. Commissioner 'Crime' that he was suspected to be concerned with the setting of the dynamite which caused the explosion. He (Lawson) made no reply. He was arrested and taken to Brickdam Police Station.
On 23rd June, 1963, at about 8.00 .m. Robert Michell was cycling east along Brickdam as he got in the vicinity f the Palms he saw jeep PK 308 which is used by the party, under a tree on the southern side of the road. He went to the jeep and found Herman Cobbenna in the jeep. He asked Herman Cobenna what he was doing there. Cobenna said that the boys had gone out to work. He rode away leaving Cobenna thee. It was found to be harmless and had no connection with the actual explosion. The cotton wool which was out of Nickford Thorman and a tin of kerosene oil were removed to the police and later sent to the Govt. Analyst for examination. The certificate of the Govt. Analyst was not received to date.
The Building of the Ministry of Health and Housing is situated at Brickdam, east of the place where the jeep PK 308 was found parked. In the compound Rickford Thorman worked as a watchman. On Sunday, 23rd June, 1963 at 8 p.m. he locked the gate facing Brickdam, entered the building and closed the main door facing north. He whet into the toilet of the southern side of the building. On his return from the toilet he saw a man standing inside the building near a table which is used by the watchman to write up the log book. The man's back was turned to him. The light on the table had been turned off. As he advanced the man removed from near the table and hid behind the wall. He then saw a fair-skinned man standing near the receptionist's desk. Thorman went up to the man who was hiding behind the wall and asked him what he was doing there. The man was later identified as Leslie Lawson cuffed him and he fell to the floor. The other man joined in beating him.
He shouted for murder and thief but the man continued to beat him and told him to shut his mouth. One man put a piece of cloth to his nose which had a peculiar smell, after doing that he pushed it into his mouth. He wrestled with them and one man said take out the cord. The other said "Not Yet, wait until he sleeps." The men finally ran away, and he Thorman, went outside of the building shouting for thief and murder.
Patrick Dorman, a watchman of the Geological Survey department who worked in the yard immediately west of this Ministerial Building went to his assistance at about 8.30 p.m. on hearing the shouts. He telephone the Police in relation to the incident. Immediately after he heard someone calling at the front gate by Brickdam. He went to the gate and there he saw a man who was later identified as Claude Graham, ex Deputy Supt. Of Police. Graham told him that he had seen three men enter the said compound from the entrance at Hadfield Street, one of then had a box in his hand; they had run out of the compound by the same entrance without the box after the watchman made the alarm. He (Graham) believed the men dropped the box in the compound but he (Dorman) must not tell the Police. Graham then walked away towards D'Urban Race Course.
Thorman attempted to telephone the Police again when an explosion occurred at the southern side of the building, causing damage to it to the extent of $2,135.53. The Police arrived and Rickford Thorman was taken to the Georgetown Hospital where was examined by Dr. F. S. Sankar who found him to be suffering from the following:-
Slight facial swelling.
Abrasions on right index finger caused by blunt instrument.
Mild degree of ulterior chest wall tenderness. The injuries were not dangerous to life.
He remained in hospital until the 27th June, 1963, when he was discharged.
Shortly after the explosion, captain V. Stafford, an expert in explosives, visited the scene and carried out examination at the site of the explosion. He is of the opinion that a large parcel of gelignite was used. Damage was extensive at the blast site. A gallon tin of Kerosene was found near the area of the explosion. It was found to be harmless and had no connection with the actual explosion. The cotton wool which was out into the mouth of Rickford Thorman and the tin of Kerosene oil were removed to the Police and later sent to the Government Analyst for examination. The certificate of the Government Analyst was not received to date.
On the 24th June, 1963 at about 12.15 a.m. a power pole at Agricola Public Road was damaged by explosives set there by someone. The damage was inspected by Mr. Oscar Nelson, the lines Superintendent of the B.G. Electricity Corporation. He estimated the damage done to the pole at $25:-. Had the pole been cut down the entire area from Meadow Bank would have been cut off from electricity supply.
On Monday 24th June, 1963 at about 8.30 a.m. Robert Michell went to Congress Place, Carmichael Street. There he met Herman Cobenna. He told Herman Cobbenna that he had heard the explosion the night before Cobbenna then told him that he had driven the vehicle (PK 308) from Brickdam, opposite the Palms, to Vlissengen Road then to the house of Hyacinth Goddett. Graham went to her and got over $200:-. They went back to Congress Place where he got $25:- from Graham. He (Cobenna) later drove the jeep to the yard of John Carter, parked it there and went home. Cobenna had said that there were six men including himself. The explosion had rocked the van while he was in it.
On the 24th June, 1963 at about 9.30 a.m. Robert Michell was at the office of Clarke & Martin, Brickdam. Whilst there L.F.S. Burnham called him to his Chambers. They discussed a report which was received from a bailiff. In a report it was mentioned that levy and ejectment warrants were issued against occupiers of houses of Ruimveldt Housing Scheme. L.F.S. Burnham asked him where the records were kept and he told L.F.S. Burnham that so far he knew they were kept at the south western corner of the bottom flat of the building at Waterloo and New Market Sts. While the discussion was going on Claude Graham went to the Office and remained there. L.F.S. Burnham asked him (Michell) to tell Hamilton Green to find where Daniels the Head Bailiff lived so that the squatting could be carried out in front of the residence of Daniels in Murray St. Mr. Burnham had told him that action must be taken immediately.
The Housing & Planning Dept. is situated at the corner of New Market & Waterloo Sts. It is a wooden building which is on pillars about three feet high. It Houses the records of the department and various offices. On the 24th June, 1963, about 10 employees were at work in the office. Between 2.00 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. that day there was a meeting at one of the offices of the building and about 14 persons attended. At about 3.45 p.m. that day as persons were leaving the office there was an explosion under the building which damaged the building and furniture to the extent of $1,500:- Sonny Bajnauth, a clerk, received injuries as a result of the explosion. He was treated at the Georgetown Hospital by Dr. Harrichand who certified that the injuries were not dangerous to life.
On the very day of the explosion, captain V. Stafford, an expert in explosives, visited the scene. He examined the site and found that the explosion had taken place under the building on a concrete structure. He is of the opinion that a gelignite parcel bomb was used.
On the 25th June, 1963 Robert Michell saw L.F.S. Burnham at his Office and he told him that the explosives was not doing enough damage. He suggested that hand grenades should be obtained from the volunteer Force and other weapons from the Police Force, and asked him to use his influence to see if he could get any grenades.
On 25th June, 1963, between 2.30 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. there was a crowd of people on the street in the vicinity of the Education Department Building at High & Cowan Sts. At the time some of the employees were at work in the building including Rita Singh. At 3.00 p.m. there was a loud explosion under the building which damaged it and some of the furniture to the extent of $627:- Rita Singh who was immediately above where the explosion occurred was injured. She was examined and treated by Dr. Cunningham at Georgetown Hospital. She was found to be suffering from abrasions on both thighs and a contused wound of the right leg. The injuries were not dangerous to life. They might have resulted from blows with bits of wool.
The same day, 25th June, 1963, captain V. Stafford visited, examined the site of the explosion and found a charge of explosives was set under the building. No clues were found as to the method of ignition. The charge consisted of seven to nine sticks of balsting gelignite, a detenator and a short length safety fuse.
On Tuesday, 26th June, 1963, Robert Michell saw Samuel Hamilton at Congress Place, Carmichael St., who told him that he was going away in the country for a few days to breeze off. Hamilton Green came up while they were speaking and told him, Samuel Hamilton, to go to Clarke & Martin to collect money from Cholmondeley. Michell and Samuel Hamilton left on cycles for Clarke & Martin. When they reached by Croal St., they stopped and looked at the destruction of the building of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Samuel Hamilton then told him that he and Leslie Lawson went to the building by walking through the yard from Croal St. They set the charge of explosive, got out before the explosion xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
On 27th June, 1963 at 9:15 p.m. Claude Graham was found in jeep PO 37. He was taken to Brickdam Police Station. Graham was told that he was wanted by the Police in relation to a report of setting explosive to the Medical Department on 23rd June, 1963. Graham said that he wanted to leave for Berbice early on Sunday, 23rd June, 1963, but he had to take the jeep to about four persons to get it repaired as a result he was delayed and had to leave later.
On the 28th June, 1963, two identification parades were held at Brickdam Police Station. On these two parades Claude Graham was identified by Patrick Dorman as the man who spoke to him at the gate of the Ministerial Building. These men were later charged with setting explosive to the building (Ministry of Labour Health & Housing). Leslie Lawson was identified by Rickford Thorman as the man who assaulted him in the Ministerial Building.
On the night of the 30th June, 1963, John Hamlet and Moonsammy were the watchmen employed in the yard of the Housing and Planning building. They kept watch on the building and yard. At about 7.45 p.m. John Aslender of 2A Queen Street, Vibart King of 237 Alexander Street, Lacytown, and a man form Alberttown whose name and address were not obtained, went to Belvedere Hotel. Clement was there too. Vibart King gave two men four containers with liquid which smelt like gasolene. He (King) told them to go and burn down the Housing & Planning building at Waterloo & New Market Sts. The men left with the containers to do the job.
At about 1.p.m. on the 1st July, 1963 while the two watchmen were on duty they found a gallon tin by the gate of the yard at Waterloo St. The tin contained gasolene. The matter was reported to the Police and the tin with the contents was handed over to the police. At about 5.40 a.m. the same day an explosion was heard at the south western corner of the building and it was followed by fire. This was in the basement lavatory near the store room. The fire brigade was summoned and the fire was put out. A tin and cloth were found on fire in the lavatory. The walls and books were damaged. The damage done is estimated at $10.00.
On 1st July, 1963 at about 9.30 a.m. John Alsender and his companion went to the Belvedere Hotel where they met Vibart King. They had a quarrel over money. King told them that he had a cheque to be changed. He later paid them. John Alsender had said in the presence of his companion that it was the second attempt on the building and they did not want to pay for the work done. One of the tins which was found was identified as one given to John Alsender and the other man by Vibart King.
On the 2nd July, 1963 at 9.30 a.m. Roy Field held a meeting at the Chambers of Llewellyn John at Stabroek House. The following persons were present:
Rupert Smith
Ivan Williams
Maurice Edinboro and
Robert Michell
Before the meeting commenced, Llewellyn John entered the office. He told them that Mr. Burnham has told him that Mr. Willis had said that he has seen every-thing going normal. The Government had presently reported an increase in finance from trade and only Civil Servants were showing resistance to the Govt. Llewellyn John said that since that was the case the party must show its strength. The people must organise themselves in small teams, go out, close business places and beat people. There must not be any sentiment in the matter the people must be drastic. On this day at 6.30 p.m. a report was received by Senior Superintendent Mc Gill Smith; as a result of that he took a party of Policemen to Albouystown. Africans were stoning the houses of East Indians. He used tear smoke to break up the disorder. He later sent foot patrol in the areas.
52. The Plaza Cinema at Camp St. is owned by Teeluck Singh Theatres Ltd., Port of Spain, Trinidad, and it is managed by Nazrullah Khan of 9 Lamaha St. On 25th June, the Manager received a telephone call from a female who did not give her name or address. She gave him a message as a result of which he informed the Police and employed Fitz Bradford as a watchman.
On 2nd July, 1963, at 7.30 p.m. tickets were sold to patrons of the cinema before the show was commenced. Several persons bought tickets and entered the Cinema. While the show was in progress at about 8.30 p.m. there was an explosion in the gent's latrine of the cinema which is at the bottom flat of the building under the office occupied by Dajnauth Manraj, a film distributor. The explosion damaged the floor beams, gent's toilet, western wall, ceiling and furniture to the value of $4,000:-. The show was stopped as a result of the explosion. No one was injured.
The site of the explosion was examined by Captain V. Stafford and the police the same day. Captain Stafford is of the opinion that gelignite parcel bomb had been place at the angle of two beams in the gents latrine and under the floor. Articles were removed from the site and taken to the Government analyst who examined them and found no explosives or inflammable substance. On a few of the articles, however, there were traces of nitrates. The presence of the nitrates may be explained by the explosion in the vicinity of the articles. Two days after, at Belvedere Hotel, John Alesender confessed to Clement Thompson that he and a man from Alberttown has set the explosive to the cinema. They had wanted to take the screen. The other man was present when the confession was made.
Alice Yearwood of 36 Austin St., Campbellville, is the owner of Amex House which is a two storeyed building situated at Regent St., Georgetown. The bottom flat of the building houses a store and the top flat houses various offices, one being the office of Sheila Burnham, the wife of L.F.S. Burnham, Q.C. On the 2nd July, 1963, at about 4.p.m. the store was closed to business. The store has show windows which were protected by expanding metal. The building and stock in the store were insured with the B.G. & Trinidad Insurance Co. to the value of $81,500:-
On the 2nd July, 1963 at night fall Clement Thompson , Vibart King and a man from Alberttown whose name and exact address were not obtained went to Albouystown as they had arranged to set explosives to Rio Cinema. The man from Alberttown carried explosives with him which included gelatin, fuse and detenator. The act was not carried out on account of the presence of the police who were dealing with a disorderly crowd. Thompson and King drove away in an Esso Van, leaving the man there with the explosives.
Charles Blythe was employed as a watchman on the night of the 2nd July, 1963 at Amex House. He was assisted by his son Charles. On that night at about 10:00 p.m. he and Ranlakhan Singh saw a suspicious Negro man pass the premises on Regent St., on several occasions. At 11.p.m. Charles went there and assisted his father to keep watch. He made his last check on the premises at 12.30 a.m. on the 3rd July, 1963 and found everything in order. Together father and son took a rest at the back of the building.
At about 12.30 a.m. on 3rd July, 1963 William Kennedy was on Regent & Camp Sts. There he saw two African men - one riding a bicycle and the other who was wearing a green terelyne shirt walking beside the one who was cycling. He passed them opposite Amex House going westwards. Kennedy went to Orange Walk to buy bananas. On his way back along Regent St., they turned south in Alexander St. As he was about 150 yards form Amex House when he heard an explosion which came from the direction (Amex House). He went to Amex House and saw the damage that was done. He reported what he saw to constable Meredith. Later he saw the man with the terelyne shirt in Regent St. This man carried an East Indian man on his bicycle northward in Camp St. He and Constable Meredith went in search of the man but did not found him.
The scene of the explosion was visited by Captain V. Stafford, an expert in explosives, on 3rd July, 1963. He is of the opinion that a small gelignite bomb was used to cause the destruction. There were no fragments from the bomb but there was extensive blackening of the blast area which might have been caused by the use of old explosives or the addition of locally made components.
At about 9.30 a.m. of 3rd July, 1963 Clement Thompson went to the Belvedere Hotel. There he met Vibart King of 237 Alexander St., Lacytown, and the man from Alberttown whose name he does not know. The latter told him that he has set the explosives at Amex House. The damage done to the building and stock is estimated at $2,000.00. No one was injured.
On 3rd July, 1963, there was a discussion on the parapet on the road opposite 14 West Ruimveldt among members of the youth Organization and the adults of the PNC. At the discussion the following persons were present:-
1. Robert Michell
2. Michael Dhorne
3. Charles Nedd
4. Gordon Parris
Ivan Williams
Mr. Mussenden
Rupert Smith
At that time Indians were attacking Africans in the country districts. It was decided that members of the organization at Rumiveldt Housing scheme and Albouystown should attack East Indians and supporters of the PPP in Ruimveldt Housing Scheme. On that night soldiers and Police patrolled the area and the planned attack was called off.
On 3rd July, 1963 at about noon, Ronald Garnett attended a meeting at Stabroek House in the Chambers of Llewellyn John, the Assistant General Secretary of the Party. The following persons attended the meeting:-
(i) Dr. Ptolemy Reid
(ii) Llewellyn John
(iii) Royden Field Ridley
(iv) Maurice Edinboro
(v) Ivan Williams
(vi) Rupert Smith and
(vii) The Secretary
While the meeting was in progress two executive members of the Trades Union Council went to the office and told the persons present that Mr. Willis had said that some proprietors of stores in Water St. had locked out their employees but many of the stores were opened. Things were going back to normal. The economy of the country had dropped considerably and the Trades Union Council was actually preventing a settlement. There was no violence. Mr. Willis had agreed with Dr. Jagan that everything was normal. The meeting broke up then on the decision of Field Ridley. All the persons remained in office. The two trade Unionists said that violence must be started immediately because Mr. Willis would go away with the impression that Jagan was right and the trade union was wrong. A decision was reached that the trade unionists should go back to Transport House to collect the men to carry out violence.
Field Ridley, Llewellyn John and Ivan Williams then decided that messages be sent around to collect activists to go around and carry out acts of violence. The party must show its strength. Messages were sent to persons telling them to go around Georgetown and organize persons in groups to close business places by force and to beat people, thereby causing a general disturbance. Everybody left the meeting place.
Ronald Garnett went to the yard of Clarke & Martin. While he was there, Ivan Williams called him and asked him if he would undertake to do a dangerous mission. He inquired how dangerous the mission was. Ivan Williams told him that the mission was not so dangerous since he only had to accompany a man and watch the exercise and report back to him. Williams said "The men were armed and you have no need to be afraid." He told William he was unarmed and asked him how he would be able to defend himself. Williams said "The men will defend you." Williams then pointed out a man and said "go with this man". Garnett left the yard with the man. He does not know his name and address as that was the first time that he saw him.
The man had a small paper bag with an ovaltine tin in it. They rode bicycles east on Brickdam and during that time the man said that he was going to throw a bomb into the house where the PYO meetings were kept and the PPP were making bombs. He said that he wanted Garnett to stop the wind while he lighted a match. On the way the man stopped, opened the tin and he (Garnett) saw a wick and some pebbles in the tin. The wick had protruded the top of the tin. He did not see everything in the tin.
They went to Croal St., and the man pointed out the house and finally they stopped opposite it. Garnett took the man's bicycle leaned it against a lamp post, rode around to South Road and stood up on the parapet and looked at the man who entered the passageway east of Cyril Seepaul's house. The man lighted the wick of the bomb, threw it through a window into the house, left the yard, took his bicycle and rode away. In the flat of the house where the bomb fell at 1.55 p.m. that day were Lawerence Da Silva, his mother Nellie Seepaul and his sister Elaine. Nellie Seepaul attempted to pick up the bomb but her son pulled her away. The mother and daughter removed from that part of the house and Lawerence Da Silva. As he was about six feet away it exploded and damaged a portion of the house and furniture. The damage done was estimated at $691.92.
The house is insured with the B.G & Trinidad Mutual Fire Insurance Co. Ltd. In the house live Dennis Da Silva, the step-son Cyril Seepaul. He had been charged by the Police jointly with Desmond Premdas and another man for throwing explosive at Unity House. The case against him was since withdrawn.
Captain V. Stafford, an expert in explosives, visited the site of the explosion the same day and found pieces of tin. He is of the opinion that the bomb consisted of a charge of gelignite, put into a sixteen ounce ovaltine tin, detenator and use. Splinters of wood, dust and metal were taken to the Govt. Analyst who examined them and found no inflammable or explosive substance.
Kenneth Kowlessar is an Accountant at the Housing & Planning Dept. He owns a house at 614 East Ruimveldt Housing Scheme valued at $12,000:-In the house he, his wife and family live. The house is insured with the B.G. & Trinidad Mutual Fire Ins. Co. Ltd. On the 5th July, 1963 at about 3 p.m. it was rumoured at West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme that Kenneth Kowlessar had said that most of the people in the Scheme would be thrown out of the houses after the strike because they owed rent. There was nothing in the Labour Relations Bill to cause a strike. On account of that, the following persons held a meeting on the rumor:-
(i) Gordon Parris
(ii) One Williams
(iii) Rupert Smith and
(iv) Robert Michell
After the discussion Gordon Parris and one Williams left the Company to go to East Ruimveldt. They returned to the spot where they had the discussion and Williams left the company. Gordon Parris then gave Rupert Smith something to keep and he too went away. At about 7.50 p.m. that day he (Parris) returned, took the articles back from Rupert Smith and asked which was the best road to take to go to Kowlesssar's house. No one replied. He left the company with a bicycle. About 8.50 p.m. Rafeek Khan and Theresa Paul saw a man on the street opposite the house of Kowlessar. The man lighted something and threw it the house of Kowlessar. The object hit the window sill and fell on the step and exploded causing damage to the house to the extend of $600:- No one was injured. When the bomb was thrown at the house the occupants were in bed and the house was closed. The man who threw the bomb ran away and was joined by another man who had a bicycle. They passed near the house which Rafeek Khan was and disappeared. Captain V. Stafford visited the site of the explosion and carried out an examination. He found pieces of tin at the sited of the explosion. They are consistent with gelignite, detenator and fuse which had been place in a tin.
At 7.45 a.m. on 6th July, 1963 Gordon Parris told Robert Michell that he had operated the night before. The house was closed up and the bomb rebounded on the window sill and fell on the step and exploded. Gordon Parris was taken to Brickdam Police Station sometime after. He refused to give a statement in the matter. He was placed in an identification parade but he was not identified by Theresa Paul.
At 7.45 a.m. on 6th July 1963, Clement Thompson went to the Belvedere Hotel to meet Vibart King. While he was at the Hotel, he saw Richard Ishmael. He told Ishmael about the death of his nephew and asked him for assistance. He was taken to a group of men by Ishmael who introduced him to one of the men. He had a conversation with Richard Ishmael and Ishmael told him that he wanted him to blast away a main pole near the Cigarette Factory at Bel Air. He agreed to do the job and Ishmael told him to go back later that day.
Clement Thompson left the Hotel and returned at about 7.00 p.m. the same day. Richard Ishmael drove around in a car in which was Hamilton Green. When they reached the power pole in Eping Avenue, Ishmael stopped the car. He (Thompson) went out and examined the pole and went back into the car. He was taken back to the Hotel were he was given $20:- and four sticks of gelignite, a detenator and fuse. He was then instructed by Ishmael how to set off the blast, on the pole at10.00 p.m.
Thompson left the Hotel and went to 8 New Market St., where he lived and dispose of gelatin. He did not go to do the job. The following morning he went to the Belvedere Hotel where he met Ishmael. He told Ishmael he went to the power pole to blast it, but the Police shone a torch on him and asked him what he was doing there. He told the Policeman that he was waiting on a woman. Ishmael did not tell him anything. He visited Belvedere regularly and got cigarettes from Ishmael until 27th July, 1963.
Abdool Rahaman is the proprietor of a dry goods store and bakery at lot 51 Evans & Russell Sts. His living quarters are above the bakery and store. He lives there with his wife Kate and seven children. On 12th June, 1963, while the strike was in progress he shot two men in protection of his property.
On the 9th July, 1963 during the morning hours, Michael Dhorne and one Williams said that Rahaman who had shot two men was carrying on business in full swing again. Williams mentioned that they should have knocked him before. Robert Michell who was present told them that their people lived in the area and they might suffer. Williams then said that the plan was set already, the youths were handling the situation.
On 9th July, 1963 at about 10.00 p.m. Rahaman, his wife and children went to bed at their house while bakers were at work in the bakery below their living quarters. At about 12.30 a.m. on 10th July, 1963 Rahaman heard a crash in his house. He went to the bedroom of his wife on the southern side of the house which faced Evans St. He spoke to his wife who was then awake. He heard a hissing sound in the room followed by a loud explosion. His wife began to scream. He switched on the light in the room and saw his wife bleeding. The glass window faces Evans St., as found to be broken and furniture in the room was damaged. He took his wife to the hospital where she was admitted as a patient. The damage done was estimated at $500:- The building is insured against fire and other damage was done in the sum of $5,000:- with the Hand-in-Hand Fire Ins. Co. Ltd. Immediately after the explosion, William Mc Lean, a baker who was on the ground floor of the building, saw two men running away on Evans St., and turned into a yard on the southern side of Evans St. He would not be able to identify them.
On 10th July, 1963, at about 8.45 a.m. Michael Dhorne told Robert Mitchell that the boys operated at Rahaman's place during the early morning hours. He told Dhorne that he had heard the explosion. They met at Congress Place later the same day. Gordon Parris and Samuel Hamilton called BIG UNCLE were present. Hamilton said the operation was a good one at Rahaman's House. They had three bombs to throw but they only threw two, one went inside the house and exploded. The other one did not go off. BIG UNCLE further said that the bomb that he threw went into the house and exploded. Gordon Parris said that his bomb did not explode. Michael Dhorne said that he did not use his bomb, he took it to a friend in East Ruimveldt to keep.
Dr. F.S. Sankar examined Kate Rahaman at Georgetown Hospital where she was admitted and found her to be suffering from the following injuries:-
Central abdominal tenderness.
A large superficial Lacerated wound on the right anterior & later aspect of the thigh.
Multiple superficial lacerated wound on the lower and anterior and lateral aspect of thigh.
A large superficial lacerated wound on the lower and anterior lateral aspect of the thigh.
Multiple small isolated and superficial lacerated wounds on face right left and upper and lower limbs (lateral and medial and finally dorsal aspect of the feet).
The injuries (i) and (v) were caused by explosive substance. No (i) may be dangerous to life at the time of examination. Nos (ii) to (v) are not dangerous to life but will produce permanent scars.
Captain V. Stafford visited the site of the explosion on the same day and found pieces of metal fragments in the room in the room - some were embedded in various articles of furniture and in the bedding. He is of the opinion that gelignite, detenator and fuse in a container with a considerable number of small pieces of metal, one and half sticks of gelignite forming an anti personnel bomb were used to cause the explosion.
On 10th July 1963 at about 5.50 a.m. there was an explosion which damaged an aqueduct at Mocha to the extent of $10,000:- On account of damage done water from the canal which is connected to the aqueduct escaped into another trench. The explosion was apparently caused by timely explosives. The same at about 6.25 a.m. there was another explosion at a Canal at Herstelling which caused damage to the extent of $10,000:- Water from the canal which is connected to the aqueduct escaped into another trench. These aqueducts are owned by the Demerara Company Ltd.
Captain V. Stafford visited the scene of the explosion and found no remains of the containers of the explosives or the fuses. He is of the opinion that the destruction was caused by nine to twelve sticks of gelignite placed near the bottom edge of the aqueducts below the water level in each case. An unexploded time bomb consisting of a tin containing gelignite, detenator and time fuse was found at another aqueduct near by. This bomb was defused by Captain Stafford the same day.
On 10th July, 1963, between 9.30 a.m. Robert Mitchell was in company with Michael Dhorne at Congress Place, Carmichael St. While he was there Patrick Gill arrived and went into the building. Dhorne then told Robert Mitchell that Gill was the head of a gang on the East Bank Dem. He was responsible for setting the dynamite at the aqueducts at Herstelling & Mocha on the very morning but he (Dhorne) did not know the men who did the job with him. Dhorne had said that the action was taken because Sandbach Parker did not support the strike action. Gill joined the company after and told them that the boys that were working in his gang were not working to the plans so he had come down to see Hamilton Green to straighten up things. After saying so he went to the upper flat where Hamilton Green was, spent some time and left.
James Lawson is a pontcon hand employed at the Public Works Dept., Kingston. He occupies Apt. 639 at West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme with his wife Plriselle and step children. The Apt. is a two flat structure. The upper flat houses the bedroom. The lower flat is used as a kitchen and living room. The southern side of the Apt. has glass windows , a street passed on this side of the Apt. The building is enclosed by paling and he rented it from the Housing & Planning Dept. Nothing in the house is insured. They also owned a shop on the main road at West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme.
On 6th July, 1963 at about 8.30 a.m. Michell Dhorne went to Robert Michell at his home and told him that the wife of James Lawson who lived at Apt 639 West Ruimveldt was the person who was pointing out the boys to the Police saying that she saw them beating East Indians. She has a shop on the main road and then had to get her out of the area by destroying her shop and house.
Later the same morning, a meeting was held in the yard of Clarke & Martin. The following persons were present:-
Michael Dhorne
Gordon Parris
Charles Nedd
Williams and
Robert Michell
Michael Dhorne said that if they were ready to attack the woman they would have to notify Llewellyn John twenty hours before and he would supply the explosives to do the job. He xxxxxxxxx on the 7th and 8th July, 1963 to do the job. The men decided to hold another discussion on the 7th July, 1963 on the matter. The discussion was not held. On the 11th July, 1963, at about 7.55 p.m. Michael Dhorne met Robert Michell at West Ruimvledt and told him that the organization was working too slowly. The boys were going to work on Apt. 639 the same night after midnight. Gordon Parris, Charles Nedd and Williams were present then and could have heard what Dhorne said. Dhorne had mentioned that he would have to collect something from Llewellyn John. The wife of James Lawson was working with the Police and everyone who was working against them must be destroyed, even if the person was a brother. At about 9.00 p.m. while the occupiers were on the top flat of the Apt., there was an explosion in the bottom flat of the apartment. Damage was done to the house and furniture, the damage to the household effect being $159:-
On 12th July, 1963 Robert Michell went to the house of Michael Dhorne and told him that he thought that the operation would have been after midnight. Michael Dhorne told him that they boys were anxious to work long before the time of the explosion. He then said that in an my with Williams, Gordon Parris and Charles
Nedd, he went to the cane field at Ruimveldt before the explosion. Gordon Parris threw an incendiary bomb made from an electric bulb in the cane field. There was an explosion. After that they went to Apt. 639 with town Constable John and they threw two bombs in the house of Lawson. He and Gordon Parris had thrown the bombs while Williams, Charles Nedd and John were on the look-out. John had a revolver but he did not know where he got it from.
Captain V. Stafford visited the scene of the explosion on 11th July, 1963 and found one mansion polish tin, a quaker oats tin cover. He is of the opinion that the explosives were thrown from outside the building through the front window and exploded doing damage to the house and furniture. A portion of the charge had fallen out of the tin. The whole charge consisted of one stick of gelignite cut in three pieces.
On 12th July, 1963 at about 4.45 p.m. Robert Michell met Charles Nedd on the Main Road at West Ruimveldt opposite House 140. While they were there in a discussion Charles Nedd told him that on the night of 10th July, 1963 he and Michael Dhorne attempted to burn down the shop belonging to the occupier of Apt. 639 but it was a failure.
One day during the late part of July, 1963 Clement Thompson met Vibart King at the Belvedere Hotel. King told him that he had a big job to do. Thompson asked him what was the job and he (King) told Thompson that he wanted him to blow up the Govt.'s Oil Tanks at Kingston. Malcolm Williams called Joe Young was present. King Mentioned that he would give them shears to cut the wire fence from the river side to go in and set the explosives to the tanks. The job had to be done with the falling tide. Thompson & Williams were to swim from the jetty at Kingston and go to the place with the explosives to do the job. He (King) told them that he would have told them when the job had to be done. With the falling tide the burning Petrol would be drifted out to sea. The men told King that they would do the job when he was ready.
On the 19th day of July, 1963 Vibert King went to the home of James Frank, a Fisherman of 238 South St., and asked him if he wanted a job to do with this boat at 6 o'clock the afternoon. Frank did not agree to take the job. King told him that he would return. On Sunday, 21st July, 1963 during the morning hours, King went back to Frank and asked him to lend him his boat and engine. He told King that he could not do so because he made a living with them. Following this Vibart King told Clement Thompson of his efforts to get the boat from James frank to be used in the operation of sinking the Russian Ship.
The British Guiana Rive Marketing Board has buildings, equipment and stock valued at $9,827.95 at Water St., Georgetown. The buildings include wharf where goods are received in the country and rice is exported. On 21st July, 1963, a Russian ship MITSHURINSH WAS MOORED AT THE WHARF with imported goods. The wharf was watched by Security Guards employed by the B.G. Rice Marketing Board. Flood lamps were provided to illuminate under the wharf.
At 6.00 p.m. the security men turned out to work under their Foreman John Alli. They could get the flood lamp lighted, hence under the wharf was dark. They had at their disposal small boats in which to travel under the wharf. They did not go there then as the tide was high. At 7.30 p.m. the guards went under the wharf and checked for suspicious persons and explosives. No suspicious person seen and no explosives were found. At about 8.15 p.m. that date they went on the wharf to take their meals. No one was left under it. They went back about 8.30 p.m. and continued checking. Between 9.30 p.m. and 10.00 p.m. there were four explosions which damaged part of the building. Machinery, stock and equipment to the value of $5,000:-. A search was made under the wharf, no suspicious person was seen and nothing was found. Captain Stafford an expert in explosives, is of the opinion that about 44 sticks of gelignite were used to cause the destruction.
In 20th July, 1963 Clement Thompson had told his brother-in-law Roy Headley, that he had a big job to do to collect about $120:- On the 22nd July, 1963 at about 7.45 a.m. Clement Thompson said to Roy Headley "Like I put you out". He was then asked by Headley what he meant. Clement Thompson said that he did the bombing the night before at the Rice Marketing board. He had gone to Kingston Koker with Joe Younge (Malcolm Williams) and saw Hamil Joe there. They took two hours to go to the spot under the wharf to work and to go away from the place. He had carried the explosives in Halls tins, timed and connected them while Joe Younge (Malcolm Williams) was watching with him under the wharf. They left there, and while he was on his way home at Ruimveldt he heard the explosions.
On 23rd July, 1963, during the afternoon hours, Clement Thompson was at home with his sister Margaret Thompson at Agricola Village. E.B.D. Whilst there he told her that he and Joe Young (Malcolm Williams) blew up the Rice Marketing Board Wharf. His sister asked him if he was not afraid because people were working there, he then said that no one was at the spot to be hurt. He mentioned then that Richard Ishmael, L.F.S. Burnham and Peter D'Aguiar were the persons who organised the set up. He got the news that they were searching for him in Georgetown so he telephoned Mr. L.F.S. Burnham who told him that he must not go to the station, he must allow the Police to pick him up. Clement Thompson had also mentioned that whenever they to on a job they were given a revolver to walk with. He was given the job to set explosives on the Russian Ship but he did not want to do it as persons on the ship would be killed.
On the 24th July, 1963, at 5.30 p.m. Clement Thompson told Roy Headley that he was going to Richard Ishmael to collect $60:- to $70:- as commission. On the 26th July, 1963 Clement Thompson who was brought in for inquiries, made a statement to the Police. He said that he was at Agricola at 7.35 p.m. on the 21st July, 1963, and he went to bed there at 10.30 p.m. He had seen Malcolm Williams in Georgetown before he returned at Agricola. Malcolm Williams was also brought in for inquiries. He made a statement in which he mentioned that he arrived in Georgetown from Agricola at about 8.00 p.m. after which he took a bath and went to Plaisance where he slept with his reputed wife. His going to Plaisance was not surpported by his reputed wife Ruby Ambrose.
On the 30th July, 1963, Vibert King took Clement Thompson to the office of Llewellyn John at Croal St., and introduced him to John as a member of the organisation. On the 3rd August, 1963, at about 2.30 p.m. Clement Thompson was at the Belvedere Hotel. Whilst there he met William Carto whom he had seen on several occasions at the Hotel. At that time he, Thompson was in company with Vibart King, Wendell Bobb and Basil Blair. William Carto asked him if he could use a diving suit. He said that he never used one. Carto then told him that he wanted him to blow up the Russian Ship, which is at the Rice Marketing Board Wharf. He Carto had wanted him to do the job the night before.
Thompson told Carto that the job was a difficult one. He Carto told Thompson that he would give him a diving suit to dive and put the explosives under the ship by the engine room and by the propeller shaft. Thompson said that he could do the job although hit was difficult. Basil Blair gave him $25:- and told him that Vibart King would give him instructions about blowing up the ship. Later King told Thompson to go to the home of Patrick Gill at Bagotstown to collect the explosives. Malcolm Williams and Clement Thompson were promised $400:- each to do the job by King.
Thompson went to his home at 84 Second St., Agricola, on 3rd August, 1963, at 8.30 p.m. and later went to the home of Patrick Gill at Bagotstown, E.B.D. There he met Vibert King and Gill. They showed him a large tin containing 200 sticks of dynamite and a watch. They showed him how to set the watch and to connect wires to it which were already attached to the explosives. There were a piece of rope and an iron weight,. They instructed him to go to the ship by sailing down the river from Bagotstown to Georgetown, and anchor the explosives under the engine room of the ship or under the propeller shaft. Vibart King had shown him $500:- and told him that the amount of $400:- was for the job and an amount of $100:- was bonus.
Shortly after a lad arrived and the two men spoke to him (the lad). They told the lad to go with Thompson to blow up the ship and they would give him some money and $25:- per week bonus. They mentioned to Thompson and the lad that the job must be done before 3.00 a.m. on Sunday. King and Gill took the two men to the waterside at Bagotstown, showed them a boat and told them to use it to go and do the job. They were each given a loaded pistol by Vibart King and were told to return to Gill's home for the explosives.
They left the waterside together walking towards the road. On their way Thompson told the lad to ask for money. The lad asked King for money and he gave him $10:- in the presence of Tho9mpson. On the road they separated. Gill went to his home, King drove away in a car. As Thompson and the lad were walking along the road, Thompson told him that the job was dangerous and they must not go to do it.
At about 4.30 a.m. on Sunday, 4th August, 1963 while Thompson was at home at Agricola, Vibart King went to his home with motor car PE 71, King told him that he had started to celebrate too early. He had been awake at 3.00 o'clock but did not hear the explosion, so he came to him to find our why the job was not done. King asked him to go with him to the home of Patrick Gill. They went out on the street and entered the motor car PE71. Thompson met the driver of the car and another man whose names and addresses he does not know. They drove to Gills's home in Bagotstown. At Gills's house King and Gill had a quarrel. King told Gill that if Thompson did not go on the job he Gill and the lad should have gone. Gill said that the lad did not turn up too, and he did not know anything about river work. King then took away the loaded pistol from Thompson and carried him home with the car, He (King) mentioned then that he was going back for the explosives in the day with another car. A few days after King met Thompson and told him that the owner of the car was questioned by the Police and that it would appear as if the chauffeur gave out information, so he would have to bump off the chauffeur, to prevent more information from going out.
Motor Car PE 17 is registered in the name of Edna Straker of Lot 8 D'Andrade St., Newtown, Kitty. The car was given to Harold Hayes of 22 Saffon St., to be used as it was bought for him. This car was parked at Saffon & Broad Sts. By Hayes at 11 p.m. on 3rd August, 1963. On the following day at 8.00 a.m. he found it there. He did not give anyone permission to use it between that period.
On the 14th August, 1963 at about 8.30 a.m. Vibart King told Clement Thompson that the man that gives money for payment for work done was in Trinidad. The man should have come the day before but he did not arrive. At about 8.45 a.m. on the same day King took Thompson to the Chambers of Llewellyn John at Stabroek House where they met. King told Llewellyn John that he had brought Thompson to him for money. John told him that the man who should have brought the money was in Trinidad. The man should have come the night before, 13th August, 1963, but the man was expected to arrive on the very day (14/8/63). A meeting would be held at congress Place on the night of the 14th August, 1963 to decide on payment because Thompson and Gill were supposed to be paid every week but they had no money to pay them.
On the 14th August, 1963, at 8.45 p.m. while Constable 5289 Allan was on duty at Camp Street., keeping surveillance on Congress Place, the Headquarters of the People's National Congress, he observed that a meeting was being held there. The meeting concluded at 10.25 p.m. He recognised the following persons as they were leaving the premises:-
L.F.S. Burnham
John Carter
Stanley Hugh
Dr. Ptolomy Reid
Llewellyn John
Eugene Correia
Dr. Richmond
Hamilton Green
There were other persons whom he did not recognise.
On the 26th August, 1963 at about 9.30 a.m. Patrick Gill went to the home of Clement Thompson at Agricola and told him that he required to attend a meeting at the home of Dr. Reid at Bel Air Park at 5.00 p.m. on that very day. At about 4.30 p.m. Thompson went to Bel Air Park where he enquired for Dr. Reid and found him in an apartment under his house. He did not know Dr. Reid so he enquired from him (Dr. Reid) if he was the person. Dr. Reid told him yes and asked him if he had gone there to attend a meeting. He told him yes. Dr. Reid gave him a seat and asked him for his call name which he (Clement Thompson) gave.
At 5.15 p.m. a man went there with motor car PC 739. He was later identified as Ivan Williams. Shortly after John Alsender, one Smith, Vibert King and Patrick Gill arrived and entered the Apt., Dr. Reid commenced the meeting. He stated the reason for holding the meeting was to get to know them. They had a discussion about men who were employed and unemployed. Smith and John Alsender were employed and Thompson was unemployed. Dr. Reid promised to get a job for Thompson at the Water Front as he said that he did not want him to be out of town. He asked Thompson how much money he would need per week while he was unemployed. Thompson told him $20:- per week as he had a girl and a child to maintain. Ivan Williams had said that arrangements were made on the other side, but that this was new arrangement and they would pay him $20:- per week. Gill would take the money to him every week.
At the meeting Vibart King said that every man in the organisation should have a gun. Dr. Reid agreed and said that they looking after that. Alsender said that the men from Georgetown should be sent to the country where there was dynamiting to be done. Dr. Reid & Vibart King finally agreed that it would be unwise to send men from town to country, because the country people would quickly spot a stranger in the area and the men would not know the movements of the people in the area, but the men were working in Mc Kenzie, Corentyne and other places. Dr. Reid had decided not to blow up the Govt. Oil Tanks at Kingston anymore because it would be dangerous, many lives would be lost, including lives of members of the Party. He mentioned that when the Cuban Ship arrived they would have to blast it up because they did not want any communist goods to come into the country and they would make an example to show results to the American people. Patrick Gill reported that he has thrown away 380 stick of dynamite and Dr. Reid enquired if they could have been recovered. Ivan Williams said that they had a bridge to be dynamited on the E.C. Demerara. The meeting concluded. John Alsender, Smith & Ivan Williams remained in the room while the others were told to go outside by Dr. Reid. The men were kept in the room for some time and finally they all left.
On the 31st August, 1963 at about 10.30 a.m. Clement Thompson saw Smith at Middle St., Georgetown. They had a conversation and Smith told him that he had been given the job to blow up the bridge at Belladrum; he had gone there and had blown up the bridge.
On 31st August, 1963, Vibart King was brought to Police Headquarters by Superintendent Britton. He was told that he had set explosives to the Rice Marketing Board Wharf on the 8th June, 1963, in the company with a man known as TALL BOY. He was shown the maroon handbag which was found under the wharf and was also told that he had taken the explosives there in that bag and another one. He was told that he had tried to hire men to set explosives to the Russian Ship which was at the Rice Marketing Board wharf on the 3rd August, 1963 and to destroy the Govt. Oil Tanks with explosives. He denied all the allegations but said after he was cautioned that he was an executive member of the General Worker's Union. He worked at the Sanitary Laundry at Princes & High Sts. He left on strike on 19th April, 1963 and had not resume since. During the strike he visited Transport House, a Union Hall, at Urquhart St., and the Belvedere Hotel. He knew Richard Ishmael and Thijis. He had driven in Thijis's car PA606. He went to de Freitas' wharf several times and he knew Patrick Gill. A statement was taken from him in writing. He refused to sign or initial the scratches.
On the 2nd September, 1963 at 9.15 a.m. Clement Thompson took Superintendent Britton and the Police Photographer Corporal 5284 Talbot to Eping Avenue opposite the Cigarette Factory showed them a pole and told them something. Photographs were taken of the power pole. The films were processed by the photographer.
On the 3rd September, 1963 Superintendent Britton brought Patrick Gill to Police Headquarters. There he was told that information was received that he and other had set explosives to aqueducts at Hersetelling and Mocha on the 10th July, 1963. The men who worked with him were not working according to instructions so he had gone to Hamilton Green on the morning of the 10th July, 1963 to discuss the matter. He was also told that he was concerned with a plot with Vibart King and others to set explosives to the Russian Ship which was at the +Rice Marketing Board Wharf and he attended a meeting at Dr. Reid's home where plans were made for an organisation that set dynamite to buildings. He was cautioned and he said that the had worked at Pln. Diamond as a carpenter from 1950 with Edgar Payne. He became a foreman with him and later became a contractor. He was a member of the Amalgamated Building trade Union. He visited Transport House, a Union Hall during the strike and attended meetings there daily. He got to know Vibart King there and met him several times after. They had often discussed strike matters and politics. He had visited Belvedere Hotel too.
After the strike he went back to Pln. Diamond on the 8th July, 1963, but he was told by Goolcharran and Eugene Carrol to return. He went back when they were repairing the aqueducts which were damaged by explosion. He did not get any work. He was the only man from his section who had gone on strike at the Plantation. He knew Hamilton Green had visited him at Congress place at Carmichael St., several times before and after the strike. He could not remember his movements from the 10th July, 1963. He attended a meeting at Dr. Reid's House at Bel Air park of the 26th August, 1963. At lighting time Ivan Williams and others attended. He did not know anything about dynamiting.
On the 7th September, 1963, John Henry Thijis was found at D'Aguiar Bros. He was told by Superintendent Britton that one day during the month of June 1963, he had taken Vibert King and another man to de Freitas Stond Crushing Plant and had offered the man money to set explosives to the ship Makouria. The man did not accept the job. He was cautioned and he made a statement which was taken down in writing. The statement was read over to him and he said that it was true and correct and he signed it. He denied offering the man money to blow up the ship Makouria. He admitted knowing Vibert King whom he had driven in his car several occasions and who had visited him several times at de Freitas Wharf. He had visited the Union Hall at Urquhart St., to get strike relief as he was on strike.
On the 11th September, 1963 at 9.00 a.m. Superintendent Britton saw William Carto at the Govt. Information Services, Hadfield St. He told Carto that the Police was in receipt of information to the effect that on Saturday, 3rd August, 1963, at about 2.30 p.m. at Belvedere Hotel, he was in company with Basil Blair and others. Whilst there he asked one Thompson if he could use a diving suit and he (Carto) had promised to give him a diving suit to be used to set explosives under the engine room of the Russian ship which was in port in the 3rd August, 1963. Basil Blair had given Thompson $25:- as an advance and told him that Vibart King would give him instructions about the blowing up of the ship. Carto was informed that prosecution may be brought in the matter and whatever he said would be taken down in writing and may be given in evidence. He said that he would not give a written statement but mentioned that he knew Basil Blair, a school teacher, who had recently left British Guiana for Switzerland on a scholarship, Vibart King, a trade Unionist, and Patrick Gill. They had met almost every day during the strike at the Union Hall, Urquhart St., and at Belvedere Hotel. He had visited Vibart King at his house but he cannot remember asking him (Thompson) to set explosives to the Russian Ship. He added that after the strike he went back to Belvedere Hotel one Saturday afternoon when they had a celebration. He had seen King, Gill & Blair there but had no recollection of discussion anything with Thompson. He added that he had no discussion with Thompson.
This investigation is incomplete as the man known as TALL BOY, the two men from Alberttown, Smith and the man who threw the bomb in the house of Cyril Seepaul were not found. Apparently they are hiding. Their addresses are unknown. Efforts are being made to find them. In the meantime, Thompson is being used as an agent to obtain information. In my opinion he too is involved in the setting of explosives to aqueducts at Mocha and Herstelling. Efforts will be made to get statements of confession from him in relation to these and the explosions at the Rice Marketing Board which occurred on 21st July, 1963.
(signed) P. BRITTON, SUPT.
APPENDIX III
Criminal Investigation department,
Force Headquarters,
Eve Leary.
21st August, 1964.
Commissioner,
(u.f.s. Assistant Commissioner 'Crime')
Since the report was put up by me on the 11th September, 1963, there were 12 incidents of bombing in the city of Georgetown and environs which caused great damage to property, loss of lives and injury to persons. Among the buildings bombed were:-
Rio Cinema
Liquor Restaurant at Durban & Hardina Sts.
Freedom House - 41 Robb St., Georgetown.
Gimpex Building at Brickdam.
Liquor Restaurant at Alexander & Charlotte Sts.
Shop at East & Murray Sts., Georgetown.
House at 37 Cross St., Mc Doom Village, E.B.D.
These bombings followed the pattern of those of the previous year except in some cases after the explosion there was fire. It is important to note that in 1963 it was planned to bomb the Rio Cinema and the building at D'Urban & Hardina Sts., and they were bombed during these outrages in 1964.
The facts are as follows:-
RIO CINEMA:
The Rio Cinema is a wooden building situated on the western side of La Penitence St., and Punt Trench Dam, Albouystown. It faces east with the screen of the western side. It is divided into three sections commonly known as Balcony, House and Stalls. It is licensed under the Cinematograph Ordinance and as such the building complies with all the requirements. There are windows on the southern side of the building which overlooks the recently filled up La Penitence Punt trench. There are no houses in the immediate vicinity on the southern side of the Cinema. This side is dark at nights. The Cinema is owned by Moudeen Haniff but on the 20th June, 1964, it was leased to Robert Sookraj for six months with the option of buying it after that period. Albert Dos Ramos has since then been the Manager of the Cinema.
On Friday, 10th July, 1964, the Management of the Cinema advertised and undertook to present two East Indian Films entitled 'Ek Saal' & 'Banjarin' for the 5 o'clock matinee at a reduced rate. The show which commenced at 4.30 p.m. was attended predominantly by persons of East Indian decent. Prior to the commencement the windows were closed up as usual because of the daylight reflection inside and opened soon after 6.30 p.m. when the place became dark. By that time 225 tickets were sold for the stalls, 134 for the House and 40 for balcony, making a total of 399 patrons attending.
About 8.15 p.m. which was just about 15 minutes before the show was scheduled to end, patrons in the Cinema saw a lighted object coming through one of the southern windows and it fell in the Stall section of the building, followed shortly afterwards by a deafening explosion which caused patrons in the entire cinema to panic. The explosion caused the death of Sumintra, aged 64 years, Bettymoon, 34 years, and Esther Persaud, 15 years. Sheila Persaud aged 24 yrs who was conveyed with other injured persons to the Georgetown Hospital by the Police and ambulance service died in the institution the following day. The other injured persons are - John Ram aged 14 years, Rudolph Gangadeen aged 15 years, Ishmael Mohamed aged 30 years, Babsie Boodhoo aged 22 years, Roopnarine aged 26 years, and Durga Persaud aged about 24 years.
Investigations have disclosed that Soana Ragnath who lives 4 rods south of the Cinema was standing opposite his home and standing opposite his home and facing the Cinema, hurled a lighted object through an open window on the same side and ran away east along the same dam. The other persons, namely Ruby Hack and Juliet Rampersaud who admitted seeing someone throw a lighted object into the Cinema into the Cinema gave a different version. They claimed that they saw two men, who lit the object and the other threw it. They both ran in an alleyway west of the cinema. The description given of the two men by these persons were vague and they stated quite clearly that they would not be able to identify the persons if seen again.
In the meantime photographs were taken of the scene of the explosion after which debris which comprised of pieces of metal nail heads and other articles were collected and forwarded to the Govt. Analyst for expert examination. The analyst in his report was unable to identify any explosive substance in these articles. Post Mortem examination was performed on the bodies of the deceased after which they were handed over to the relatives and buried accordingly. It may be mentioned here that two nail heads were removed from the back of the bodies of Bettymoon and Esther Persaud at the Post mortem examination and one from Rose Persaud at an emergency operation. The Post Mortem examination revealed that they died as a result of hemorrhage and shock due to multiple bomb injuries.
LIQUOR RESTAURANT AT D'URBAN & HARDINA STREETS
Latchmi Persaud Sawh who is now resident in Barbados is the owner of a two storeyed building constructed of wood and concrete with galvanized roof situate on the east half of lot 20 D'Urban & Hardina Sts, Wortmanville. D'Urban runs east to west and Hardina runs north to south. This building was at the south eastern corner and was insured with J.B. Leslie & Co. (Demerara) Insurance Ltd. for $20,000:-. The Policy was in force, the premium being paid up to the 22nd February, 1965. It was a comparatively new building approximately 60 feet by 30 feet.
In August, 1963, Doodharie who hails from Good Hope, E.B.D. rented the building from Sawh at a monthly rent of $140:-. He Doodharie carried on a Liquor Restaurant in the south eastern section of the bottom flat and a grocery on the north western portion of the said bottom flat. The bottom flat was secured by four wooden doors and two windows. The liquor restaurant had the other three doors and one window, two in the eastern side with entrance from Hardina St., and the other on the northern side with entrance from Hardina St., and the other in the northern side with entrance from Hardina St., and the other on the northern side with entrance from D'Urban St. All these were secured by means of iron bars from the outside. There was a counter running north to south in the restaurant joining one running east to west which was that used in the grocery, leaving a space about 8 feet for customers. There was also a wall on the eastern side of the grocery which separated it from the liquor restaurant. On the southern most portion and almost half of the width of the eastern portion there were rooms and the lavatory while the other half was used as a storeroom, dining room, kitchen by Doodharie. The floor of the inner portion of the restaurant where Doodharie dwells was constructed of boards whilst the other portion was concrete.
The upper flat housed the living quarters of Doodharie and his family of eleven, namely Chandra, his wife, his children, Evelyn Singh, age 7 years, Chaman Lall, aged 6 years (deceased), Agnes aged 3 years, Shirley Singh aged 9 months (deceased) his father Ramsarran and mother Basmat, his nephew Deo Paul and Sookdeo Ramkripaul and niece Mainawattie. There was an internal stairway situated about mid way on the western side of the building running from the lower flat, north to south, east to west, connecting the upper flat. This was the only means of entry and exit to the said upper flat. There were four bedrooms in the upper flat. One on the north western side which was occupied by Doodharie, his wife Chandra and Children Chaman Lall, Shirley Singh (deceased) and Agnes. One on the north eastern corner which was occupied by Deo Persaud and south of this was one occupied by Ramsarran (deceased). Somaria called Basmat, Mainawattie Rampripaul. Each bedroom had a door which led to the sitting room. These were glass windows around the building.
On Friday, 22nd May, 1964, there was a disturbance and racial clashes in the country and in Georgetown. At about 8.30 p.m. about 16 negro boys stoned Doodharieís building as a result of which damage was done to two sweet bottles and sweets valued $5:- Doodharie identified one of the boys whom he knows well but not by name. He saw the boy pelt the stones which broke the bottles. He reported the matter to the Police who went to the scent and carried out investigations but the boy escaped.
On Thursday, 28th may, 1964, at about 2.30 p.m. Doodharie was in his restaurant when he saw the said person who broke his sweet bottles walk past him on D'Urban street. He reported this to the Police who went to the person. Doodharie then took the Police to a parlour on D'urban St., and pointed out the person who gave his name as John Grimes. He was brought in for further inquires and was placed on station bail to return on 15th June, 1964, but he did not return. From the time
On Monday, 13th July, 1964 at about 8.30 p.m. Chandra and Sukdeo Ramkripaul close all the doors and windows of the restaurant except one on the eastern side which was kept open to allow customers who were still drinking inside the restaurant to have exit. At the said time the said persons were in the restaurant, Doodharie was standing behind the counter facing Hardina St., speaking to Dennis Ross who was sitting at the north-eastern corner behind the counter reading a newspaper. Dukdeo Ramkripaul called Seeraj was in the kitchen, Arthur Wilson and Clement Devine were drinking in one of the rooms. Chandra was standing by the open door looking over Hardina St. The other members of the family Ramsaran, Chaman Lall (deceased) were in the upper flat.
Whilst Chandra was standing by the door and Doodharie behind the counter, they both saw the same negro man (John grimes) who had broken the sweet bottles threw a lighted tin through the open door into the restaurant. Chandra shouted "O lord run out". Doodharie shouted "O God, look this boy throw a bomb, lie down low". Chandra then saw the negro fellow running south on Hardina St. She shouted "hold him, hold him,". He turned west into Norton St., and escaped. On the shout of Doodharie, Ross ran out and saw the man running away whom he said was the same man who had threatened Doodhaire. All the other occupants in the restaurant lay down on the floor, face downwards. Seconds later there was a loud explosion which caused fire. They ran out of the restaurant and stared to scream. Mainawattie and Somaria ran down the internal stairway and escaped leaving the three deceased persons.
The explosion caused a large crowd the gather by that time the entire building was on fire. At 8.55 p.m. a report of the fire was received at the Fire Brigade Head quarters and the Brigade with two water tenders under Chief Fire Officer L. Watkins and Mr. R.A. Spellen, Deputy Fire Officer, arrived on the scene. Before the Brigade arrived Fireman No. 80 Thomas who was off duty and was travelling in his motor car on Hardina Street and heard the explosion, and returning and seeing the building on fire, climbed a sign post and together with Christopher Fields who was also at the scene rescued Ramsarran (deceased) Evelyn Singh and Agnes. According to Thomas, he could not see into the building because of the smoke, to rescue the others. As a result of the fire Deo Persaud, Mainawattie Persaud, Dennis Ross and Ramsarran received injuries. They were all taken to the Georgetown Hospital where they were examined by Dr. Sankar who issued medical reports as follows:
Deo Persaud - multiple punctured wounds on the left upper limbs and left upper abdomen; quadular C imbedded pieces of metal; tenderness and (2) a lacerated wound on the L elbow joint 1 x 1/5 inches deep caused by explosive (material) substance.
Denis Ross - a punctured wound on the L post chest wall L x inch deep caused by an explosive substance.
Mainawattie - a large bluish black swelling of left eyelid extending to the surface on the Zygomatic bone or cheek bone surface caused by a blunt instrument, e.g. hit against a surface (hard).
Ramsarran - (1) 2nd degree burns on the face, neck, chest arteria posterity and limbs and fingers, and (2) swinging of the hair on the scalp caused by dry head.
Deo Persaud and Ramsarran were admitted to the Hospital.
The scene was visited by Police together with the Govt. Analyst and Govt. Bacteriologist & Pathologist, all of whom carried out on the spot investigation. The police photographer also took pictures of the burnt house and that of the bodies of the deceased. Control samples were taken from various places among the debris on the instruction of the Govt. Analyst who is now carrying out his investigation.
On Tuesday, 14th July, 1964, at about 11.00 a.m. the bodies of Chaman Lall and Shirley Singh which were found in the north-western bedroom were removed to Lyken's Funeral Parlour and on Wednesday, 15th July, 1964, the bodies were taken to the Georgetown Hospital Mortuary where a post mortem examination with dissection was performed by Dr. Balwant Singh, after which they were handed over to relatives for burial which took place on 16th July, 18964, at La Repentir Cemetery and the graves marked.
On Friday, 17th July, 1964 at about 7.40 p.m. Ramsarran died at the Georgetown Hospital from the burns received as a result of the fire. On Monday, 20th July, 1964, a post Mortem examination with dissection was performed on his body and on Tuesday, 21st July, 1964 it was buried at Good Hope, E.C.D.
The deceased, Chaman Lall, had a life Insurance Policy which was in force with the British American Life Insurance Co. Ltd., for $560:- with double indemnity. The total loss suffered by Doodharie is about $40,000:- which included his stock & household belongings.
On the 28th July, 1964 a warrant was applied for the arrest of John Grimes for murder. Contrary to Section 100 of the Criminal Law (Offenses) Ordinance, Chapter 10.
Dennis Ross died on the 14th August, 1964, as a result of injuries he received.
FREEDOM HOUSE- 41 ROBB STREET, GEORGETOWN.
The Progressive Book Shop is housed at the bottom flat of a three storeyed building known as Freedom House at Lot 41 Robb St., Georgetown. The building is owned by the People's Progressive Party.
On the 17th July, 1964, at about 10.45 a.m. Michael Forde, deceased, Una Mulsac, Patricia Christian, Mary Nunes and Hilda Gouveia were in the book shop. At that time a man of African decent entered the book shop with a parcel. He inquired about books and was shown a book entitled 'NEW CUBA' by Hilda Gouveia who asked him to buy it. He did so by paying her with a dollar note. The book cost 5¢. Hilda Gouveia handed the money to the deceased, Michael Forde, who was then the cashier. She was given 95¢ to give the purchaser of the book but the man had left the shop leaving a parcel behind which he had taken there.
Hilda Gouveia drew Michael Forde's attention to the parcel and she went out of the shop advertising books on the pavement. Michael Forde reported to Una Mulsac what happened and Mulsac told him to take the parcel outside. He took the parcel outside followed by Mary Nunes and Patricia Christian. While he was outside the building on the eastern side, he attempted to open the parcel which exploded killing him instantly and injuring the following persons who were on the premises:-
UNA MULSAC DAVID MICHAEL
MARY NUNES FELIX BAPTISTE
PARTICIA CHRISTIAN ALLAN HACKETT
XXXX RESPAT STEPHEN ANDREWS
HARRY SINGH SHIRLEY CHESTER
RAMBROSE SINGH YVONNE BOBB
RAJKUMAR BHARAT
MRS. Janet Jagan and some other persons who were in the center floor were unhurt.
Freedom House was extensively damaged and a building immediately east of it was demolished.
The deceased was removed to Georgetown Hospital mortuary where a Post Mortem examination was performed by Dr. Balwant Singh and the body was later buried. The doctor found that the cause of death was due to hemorrhage and shock due to explosive device.
GIMPEX BUILDING - BRICKDAM
Gimpex store and office are housed in a three-storeyed building at lot 23 Brickdam, the building is owned by Parbattie Bhagwandin and it is insured with the Hand-in-Hand Insurance co. Ltd. against fire, riot and malicious damage for $20,000:- In the storeroom of the building goods are kept for sale.
On the 17th July, 1964 about 10.30 a.m. a man of African decent entered the yard and went to the building with a parcel in his hand. He had a discussion with Raymond Mohamed about the price of car tires. Raymond Mohamed sent the man to Michael Haynes, a clerk in the said building. He went upstairs and left the building in a haste telling Raymond Mohamed that he, Mohamed, must get the price for him as he would return.
Shortly after he left, there was a loud explosion at the northern side of the building which damaged it to the extent of $12,000:- and killed Edward Griffith who was in the yard. The explosion caused fire which damaged goods to the value of $20,000:-. These goods were not insured. This explosion occurred immediately after the one at Freedom House.
The following persons were injured as a result of the explosion:-
Henry Sharpe - Medical report not yet obtained.
Richard Todd - Dazed since falling. History of unconsciousness abrasions (r) knee. Admitted for observation.
Charles Ince - Medical report not yet obtained.
Percy Sue - Lacerated wound (L) wrist. Abrasions (L) shoulder.
Clovis Thompson - Lacerated wound (L) knee. Punctured wound (R)
On 18th July, 1964, Dr. Balwant Singh performed a Post Mortem on the body of Edward Griffith and the body later buried. The doctor found that the cause of death was due to hemorrhage and shock due to explosive device.
LIQUOR RESTAURANT - ALEXANDER & CHARLOTTE STS.
Ramrattan is the owner of the two flat building situated at 1ot 177 Charlotte & Alexander Sts., Lacytown. He lives in the top flat with his wife and six children namely Darshanand, 26 years, Devakanand 18 years, Stayanand 17 years, Shardanand 15 years, Parmanand 12 years, and Marjorie 7 years, and grand-children Bando 6 years, and Padmini 7 years. He carries on a grocery and parlour and liquor Restaurant in the bottom flat. The entrance to the liquor Restaurant is in Charlotte St. There is a wooden wall and sash which separate the grocery and parlour. The property valued at $36,000:- is insured with the B.G. & Trinidad Fire Insurance Co. for $8,000:-.
On Wednesday, 22nd July, 1964 at about 8.35 p.m. Darshanand Ramrattan, one of Ramrattan's sons was standing by the door of the restaurant looking in a westerly direction when he saw a negro man towing another on a lady's bicycle on its carrier. Whilst looking at them, he saw the one who was being towed got off the bicycle and moved towards him. He kept on looking and saw the rider rode past and turned north on Alexander St. As the one who was walking was about to pass him he saw him throw a parcel through the opened door into the restaurant which caused an explosion. The man ran north in Alexander St., and escaped.
Damage was done to the extent of $1,250:- in the restaurant and the following persons were injured:-
(i) Parbattie Ramrattan Lacerated wound (L) leg.
Punctured wound (R) ankle. (F.B.) in wound, lacerated wound (L) of abdomen.
Punctured wound (R) arm and below (R) eyelid. Superficial laceration wound (L) side of Hospital.
(ii) Satyanand Ramrattan Medical Report not yet obtained.
(iii) Darshanand Ramrattan Medical Report not yet obtained.
(iv) Arjune Paul Punctured wounds both post. Aspect both thighs. Punctured wounds (2) buttock and tomi (R) elbow and (R) arm.
(iv) Basil Mc Arthur Punctured wounds (R) leg and (R) arm & (L) leg.
SHOP AT EAST & MURRAY STS., GEORGETOWN
34. Jairam Cheddi and his family occupy the eastern portion on the bottom flat of a two storyed building at lot 309 East & Murray Sts., Georgetown. The part they occupy is divided into two. The northern half is their dwelling and the southern portion is a parlour and grocery.
On the 23rd July, 1964 at about 8.25 p.m. Jairam Cheddie, his wife Sachee, his brother-in-law Samsundar Kissoon and the landlord Ramnarine Singh were in the living room north of the parlour.
On the time given about (8.25) p.m. a lighted object was thrown through the eastern window of the parlour from East Street. The object struck the floor and rolled towards the passage leading to the living room,. Ramnarine Singh went outside the parlour and saw a man of African decent walking away north along East Street. As the man saw him he ran towards Middle St. He Ramnarine Singh, ran after him and shouted "hold him". The man jumped on a bicycle bar and rode away in company with another man. In Middle St., they disappeared from him. By that time there was an explosion in the parlour and two of the four persons, namely Hardai and Deodat who were inside were killed. The other two persons Jairam Chedie and Shrikant Cheddie were injured and were examined by Dr. Sankar whose Medical Report reads as follows:-
Jairam Cheddie - Multiple punctured wounds on the legs (L) arm and abdomen caused by explosive materials.
Khrikant Cheddie - Medical Report not yet obtained.
Damage was done to the building and Jairam Cheddie suffered a loss of stock to the extent of $600:-.
Dr. Balwant Singh performed Post Mortem examination on the bodies of Deodat and Hardai Kissoon on 25th July, 1964 and found that the cause of death of both persons was laceration of the brain with hemorrhage due to injury to the head and multiple bomb injuries respectively. The bodies were later buried.
HOUSE AT 32 CROSS STREET, MC DOOM VILLAGE, E.B.D.
Olga Samaroo, aged about 56 years, a widow of East Indian decent is the owner of a two flat building situated at 37 Cross St., Mc Doom Village, E.B.D. She lives at the top flat with some of her children. The bottom flat which is divided into 2 Apts., is occupied by two of her sons and their wives and children.
On the 26th July, 1964 at 1.40 a.m. there was an explosion under the southern side of the building which caused damage to the bottom flat of the building and household effects to the extent of $2,500:-.
The following persons were killed as a result of the explosion:-
Evelyn Samaroo, aged 21 years.
Pamela Samaroo, aged 5 years.
Kamala Samaroo, aged 1 month.
The dead bodies were moved to the Georgetown Hospital mortuary where Post Mortem examination were carried out on them by Dr. Balwant Singh after which the bodies were handed over to relatives who buried them. Dr. Balwant Singh gave the cause of death as follows:-
Evelyn Samaroo - Haemorrhage and shock due to multiple injuries.
Pamela Samaroo - (1) Laceration of brain with hemorrhage due to
(i) Fracture of the skull due to
(ii) Injury to the head.
(iii) Kamala Samaroo - Laceration of the brain with hemorrhage due to injury to the head.
Immediately after the explosion a man of African decent was seen in the vicinity of the house hiding in a clump of bushes. An alarm was made and the man ran. He was chased by John Devince, Compton Frank and George Johnson. The man escaped from them and entered a canefield. One side of a pair of black shoes was found in a yard the man entered and disappeared.
On 9th August, 1964, at about 2.00 a.m. the Police received certain information at Brickdam Police Station. As a result of the information received, a police party went to the Elizabeth Guest House at Charlotte & Wellington Sts. and searched a room occupied by Emanuel Fairbairn who is known as Emanuel Batson or Hommel. In the room the Police found 657 rounds ammunition for various types of firearms, one .38 caliber pistol, one .22 pistol, ten sticks gelatine, 5 detenators 2 time devices for setting of electrical charges, safety fuse, Army regulations belt and caps. Fairbairn told the police that the articles were given to him by Janet Jagan, General Secretary of the People's Progressive Party, but later confessed that he mentioned that on Friday, 17th July, 1964, at 8.00 a.m. Claude Graham had given him a small square box and told him that it was a bomb for GIMPEX. He must give it to Godfrey Egerton and he would carry it. He had done as he was instructed.
Following this, he also confessed that on the 17th day of July, 1964, Clive Wilson had given him in the presence of George Roberts at Congress Place, a parcel bomb & instructed him to leave it at Freedom House, and he did so. George Roberts was found and questioned. He denied being present when the bomb was given to Fairbairn. Clive Wilson was not found to date. Emanuel Fairbairn also mentioned that he was employed at the Firm of Messrs.. Clarke & Martin, Solicitors, as a watchman. L.F.S. Burnham is a member of this Firm.
As a result of questioning, Godfrey Egerton was taken into Police Custody. He confessed that the had taken a parcel bomb to Gimpex on 17th July, 1964 at the instruction of Emanuel Fairbairn and he left it there.
Between 5.00 and 6.00 p.m,. on the 9th August, 1964 police and army carried out a search on the premises of Claude Graham at Perseverance, E.C.D., and two home made gelignite bombs were found buried in a fibre shed. The following persons were found on the premises:-
William Joseph.
Charles Pollard.
Simon Mc Phoy.
Belle Anderson.
An explosive expert from the British Army found that the bombs were dangerous and as a result they were destroyed. The four persons named above and Claude Graham were subsequently charged under regulation 49A (1) (b) of the Emergency regulation 1964.
On the 20th August, 1964 Godfrey Egerton who was in custody of Michael Forde a result of the explosion which occurred at Freedom house and also the murder of Edward Griffith as a result of the bombing at Gimpex.
Charges will be brought against Emanuel Fairbairn for the murder of Michael Forde as a result of the explosion which occurred at Freedom House; and also the murder of Edward Griffith as a result of the bombing at GIMPEX. He will also be charged with possession of ammunition, firearms and explosives under Regulation 49A (1) (b) of the emergency powers regulations 1964.
Emanuel Fairbain is now in St. Joseph's mercy Hospital suffering from injuries he received. Medical report in relation to the injuries are attached.
Detective Superintendent.
Crime Squad B8 Dam,
9th August, 1964.
COPY
EMANUEL FAIRBAIRN
"I Emanuel Fairbairn wish to make a statement. I want someone to write down that I say. I have been told that I need not say anything unless I wish to do so and that whatever I say may be given in evidence.
(Sgd) Emanuel Fairbairn.
I does watchman at Clarke & Martin by night and I does get a small piece. They does pay me according to the money they make. During the day I does go to Congress Place, the PNC Headquarters in Camp St., and there I got to know Chippie Graham, because he does detail the watchman duties. In Friday, 17th July, 1964, about 8.00 a.m. Chippie Graham gave me a small square box, he said it was a bomb for Gimpex and I must give it to Godfrey Edgerton and he going to carry it. Egerton was at Congress Place and I give him the box with the bomb and he ride away on his cycle. About 11 o'clock time I was still at Congress Place when I hear the explosion. I see Egerton later the Afternoon but I did not discuss the story with him because I did done know everything.
On Friday the 31st July, 1964 at 11.00 p.m. Graham bring all these ammunition, fuse wire, gelatine, detenators, two pistols and all these other things including these two batteries with these two watches and asked me to keep them in my house. All these things been in a rice bag. I took the bag and throw it under the bed. This morning about 4.30 o'clock the Police went home at me and find the things in the bag, Graham bring the things to me in a jeep PP 851.
5.15 p.m. (Sgd.) Emanuel Fairbairn
9/8/64.
Witnesses (1) B. RAGHUBIR ASST. SUPT.
(2) J. KING D.C. 4879
Taken by me at crime Prevention Squad, Brickdam, at 5.15 p.m. on 9/8/64 and read over by Emanuel Fairbairn who said it is true and correct and that he had nothing to add or alter and signed his name to it in my presence.
(Sgd.) Jainarine Det. Inspe.
Eve Leary, Aug. 10, 1964.
COPY
Commenced at 3.45 p.m. EMANUEL FAIRBAIRN
Emanuel Fairbairn having been duly cautioned in the following words "You are not obliged to say anything unless you wish to do so but what you say may be put into writing and given as evidence.
(Sgd.) Emanuel Fairbairn 10/8/64
Emanuel Fairbairn, wish to make a statement and I want you Superintendent Britton to write down what I say. I have been told that I need not say anything unless I wish to do so and that whatever I say may be given in evidence'.
(Sgd.) Emanuel Fairbairn 10/8/64
On Friday the 17th July, 1964 at 10.30 a.m. I received a parcel bomb from one Clive Wilson of east La Penitence Housing Scheme at Congress Place, Camp St. Georgetown. He told me to carry it to Freedom House at Robb St., Georgetown. One George Roberts was with me when Clive Wilson gave me the bomb. This George Roberts belongs to Anns Grove carried the parcel bomb on a bicycle and went into the book shop at Freedom, Robb St., met some people in the book shop and I took down some books and looked at them. I had the parcel bomb with me and I put it on the counter in the book shop. I bought a book for 5¢ and paid a woman there with $1:- note. I went away with the book and my change I rode away to Camp St., and when I was opposite Congress Place the bomb go off".
(Sgd.) Emanuel Fairbairn 10/8/64
I have read the above statement and I have been told that I can correct alter or add anything I wish. This statement is true. I have made it of my free will'
(Sgd.) Emanuel Fairbairn 10/8/64
Completed at 4.22 p.m. Witness: F. Simple Sgt. 5136.
I hereby certify that this statement was taken by me between 3.45 p.m. and 4.22 p.m. on the 10/8/64, in the presence of Sgt. 5136 Simple. I read it over to Emanuel Fairbairn in the presence of Sgt. Simple. Emanuel Fairbairn also read it. He was told by me that he could correct, alter or add anything he wished. He made alternations, said it was true and correct and signed his man to it in our presence.
(Sgd.) Paul Britton Det.Supt.
10/8/64
ARTICLES FOUND AT THE HOME OF EMANUEL FAIRBAIN AT 192 CHARLOTTE & WELLINGTON STS., ON 8/8/64 AT 4.55 a.m.
1 parcel containing 189 .22 bullets
2 boxes '83 .22 '
1 parcel ' 25 .45 '
1 parcel ' 15 .22 '
1 ' 56 .22 & .25 bullets
1 ' 22 .24 bullet
1. ' 39 .32 & .65 bullets
1 matchbox '12 .22 bullets
1 parcel '26 .32 '
1 '19 .38 '
1 '1 .22 (long) bullet
3 Clips with 10 .303 Dummies
1 parcel '67 .303 (live) bullets
1 '4 12 gauge cartridges
4 boxes '84 20 gauge (SSG) cartridges
1 box '23 16 ' (BB) '
1 .22 pistol
1 .38 revolver No. 27446
1 bullet stand
1 5-arm sight or gauge
5 detonators.
2 pocket watches attached separately on Berec Batteries with electrical wire.
1 roll scotch tape
1 jute bag
1 volunteer steel helmet
1 volunteer caps or ground sheet
1 'Regulation belt stamped No. 2295893 A
1 canvas haversack
1 - 1964 diary containing a quantity of documents.
1 - grip containing plans and a quantity of documents.
1 box containing tablets to keep awake.