By Shuntel Glasgow
Residents of Eteringbang in Region Seven and other communities have raised concerns about their security in the wake of the recent robberies and murders of businesspersons.
Regional Chairman Kenneth Williams told Stabroek News yesterday that the regional office has received several reports from residents who are extremely disturbed about the incidents. The Regional Intelligence Community (RIC) was consulted to discuss additional security measures to help address the issue. The RIC is comprised of the regional commander, head of the Guyana Prison Service, and personnel from the Guyana Defence Force.
Williams said that the meeting with the RIC is expected to be held soon. He said that most of the suspects are drug addicts, punters and Venezuelans who wander the streets and as a result persons who ply their trade are affected.
The Regional Chairman wants an increase in the number of ranks in the area.
Last Sunday, a 50-year-old miner and a 30-year-old labourer both of Bartica, were shot and killed by two masked men during a robbery at Arimu Backdam, Cuyuni River, Region. The victims were identified as Zaheer Mohammed Sheriff, a 50-year-old gold miner of Byderabo Road, Bartica and Donovan Washington, a 26-year-old porter of Lot 11 Seventh Avenue, Bartica.
The killings were said to have been carried out by two masked men on a red all-terrain vehicle. They reportedly carted off 102 ounces of raw gold valued at $37 million and two licenced firearms (a .32 pistol and a 12-gauge shotgun) belonging to Sheriff.
Regional Commander, Senior Super-intendent Dion Moore, told Stabroek News yesterday that several persons were contacted and questioned but the suspects are yet to be apprehended. The investigation is ongoing.
On Thursday, a Chinese national, Yang Lisong was murdered and his wife Wen Shuping was also injured in the attack by three bandits. Lisong operated a supermarket at Eteringbang Landing. He had arrived here from Guizhou in China. Xu Yuanxi, a Chinese national who is residing there, told Stabroek News that they were relieved of an undisclosed amount of cash and other valuables.
Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum on Thursday confirmed to Stabroek News that two Venezuelans and one Guyanese were believed to have committed the act. The three suspects were arrested on Thursday and are in police custody assisting with investigation.
Last year, miners, shopkeepers and the residents of Eteringbang related how they were being harassed and robbed by the National Guard and infamous Sindicato gang of Venezuela. Williams had told this newspaper at the time that the matter had been discussed “extensively” at the Regional Intelligence Committee meeting and a decision had been taken by Commander Moore to increase security across the region. Williams made reference to the Sindicatos, and said that additional forces had been dispatched to the border communities.
In recent months Eteringbang has seen an upsurge in criminal activity, much of it believed to be associated with the `Sindicatos’ from nearby Venezuela. The area across the Cuyuni River has also seen heightened activity by Venezuelan military personnel.
