Some of the miners who were part of the group held and assaulted by members of the Venezuelan military on Friday are saying the incident may have occurred due to the non-payment of gold to the soldiers in exchange for them turning a blind eye to illegal mining on Venezuelan territory.
Yesterday, the Sunday Stabroek reported that a group of Guyanese miners in the vicinity of the “Bruck Up Falls” in the North West District were beaten by Venezuelan soldiers who crossed the border into Guyana’s territory on Friday afternoon.
Stabroek News was able to make contact with one of the miners, who suggested that the raid occurred over the non-payment of gold to the soldiers, as per an ongoing arrangement. The man, who requested anonymity, said he was part a group which joined those at “Bruck Up Landing” subsequent to them being held, and was also held, but not beaten.
He explained that he is part of a group of miners who operate illegally in Pol De Oro,