GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC):

A top security official here has said the gunmen who carried out a mass killing in the small mining town of Bartica, near the Brazilian border, have declared war against Guyana.

Former national security adviser and retired Brigadier David Grangere is blaming the mayhem on the lack of a comprehensive national security plan to address the deteriorating crime situation that started seven years ago.

One-hour assault

Twelve people, including three lawmen, were gunned down Sunday night in the small mining village. The 12 were murdered during a one-hour assault, which forced the Bharrat Jagdeo administration to postpone yesterday's reading of the national budget.

In recent weeks, crime has spiraled out of control in this Caribbean Community country.

Only three weeks ago, a gang of about 25 men launched an attack at Lusignan, a community in East Coast Demerara, where they killed 11 people, including five children.

Many residents have gathered on the streets of Bartica, lamenting the brutish manner in which the 12 people were slaughtered Sunday night. There had been no major statement by the Bharrat Jagdeo administration the Government Information Agency (GINA) has announced that Jagdeo would be meeting with stakeholders today.

At least 20 unidentified gunmen using speedboats first attacked a police outpost Sunday, killing three officers and seriously wounding two others, before taking away various firearms and freeing a number of inmates. Reports said the men then hijacked a police vehicle which they used to run amok, shooting indiscriminately at homes and businesses. Police believe that the gang that carried out the attack was the same group which killed 11 people, including five children at Lusignan three weeks ago.

Linked to wanted man

Police have also since linked that attack to a gang led by the country's most wanted man, Rondel 'Fine Man' Rawlins. Rawlins is reported to have warned law enforcement authorities that there would be mayhem in the country if his reputed pregnant common-law wife was not released by abductors.

The police have offered a G$50 million (US$250,000) reward for Rawlins' capture. He is wanted for several murders, including the April 2006 assassination of Agriculture Minister Satyadeow 'Sash' Sawh, several of his siblings and a bodyguard.