Two Cuban laborers, aged 24 and 25, became victims of a gunpoint robbery while walking in the Eccles area along the eastern bank of the Demerara River in Guyana. The confrontation concluded with a bullet wound to one of the alleged assailants, thanks to a local resident who witnessed the crime and opened fire on the robbers.
The incident took place on Wednesday, October 14, around 7:00 p.m., as reported by Guyana Police in a statement shared by INews.
Preliminary inquiries reveal that the Cuban men, residing in Eccles, were intercepted by two individuals riding separate motorcycles. The perpetrators brandished a firearm and seized their belongings.
The 24-year-old worker was stripped of his cell phone, while the 25-year-old had his wallet containing identification and cash taken.
A 41-year-old local, who was nearby at the time, observed the robbery and fired several shots at the suspects with his licensed firearm.
According to police reports, the armed resident utilized his licensed gun, firing multiple rounds at the suspects, hitting one of them.
The injured suspect, a 22-year-old, managed to travel a short distance on his motorcycle before collapsing.
He was initially taken to the Diamond Regional Hospital and later transferred to Georgetown Public Hospital for medical treatment. The authorities have yet to disclose the severity of his injuries.
The second suspect escaped and remains at large, with police efforts ongoing to locate him.
During the investigation, officers recovered a wallet near the wounded suspect containing the identification and cash of the 25-year-old Cuban worker.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into both the armed robbery and the gunfire exchanged during the incident.
As of now, the identities of the two Cuban workers have not been released, and there have been no reports of injuries to them.
Recent Increase in Robberies Targeting Cubans in Guyana
This incident follows a series of other violent acts reported by Cuban nationals living in the South American nation.
On September 25, two Cuban workers, aged 41 and 29, were held at gunpoint after entering a vehicle heading to Wales, in the West Bank Demerara region.
In that event, the criminals stole cell phones, a watch, a wallet, and 8,000 Guyanese dollars in cash, before forcing the victims out of the car.
Just days prior, a Cuban woman reported being assaulted by six men on motorcycles while returning from work, resulting in the loss of her wallet with crucial documents and minor leg injuries.
FAQs about Safety Concerns for Cubans in Guyana
What measures are being taken by Guyanese authorities to protect Cuban residents?
Guyanese authorities are conducting ongoing investigations into recent crimes and have increased patrols in affected areas to enhance security for residents, including Cuban nationals.
Have there been similar incidents in Guyana involving Cuban nationals?
Yes, there have been multiple reported incidents involving Cuban nationals being targeted in robberies, with several occurring in recent weeks.
What should Cuban residents in Guyana do to stay safe?
Cuban residents in Guyana are advised to remain vigilant, avoid traveling alone at night, and report any suspicious activities to the authorities promptly.