While the representatives of the Natural Resources Ministry and Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) are assisting the Guyana Police Force (GPF) with the investigation into last Saturday’s alleged armed robbery and abduction at Bushmouth Marudi Backdam, South Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), the Ministry has revealed that it is not banning operations in the area at the moment.
In an invited comment, a senior official from the Ministry told this publication that all actions to be taken “will be guided by the outcome of the investigation being conducted by the Home Affairs Ministry.”
This clarity was provided amid concerns raised on Monday by the South Rupununi District Council (SRDC) regarding the safety and security of the Wapichan communities, particularly those near the Marudi mining area.
In a release, SRDC explained that while they’re relieved that all hostages were released unharmed, the matter of safety is still an issue.
In fact, the Council stated “SRDC has consistently voiced concerns about the effects of mining in the Marudi Mountains on Wapichan communities and lands. We believe that the escalation of such criminal activities is linked to the increase in mining operations.”
Hence, SRDC “insist that all mining operations be suspended until comprehensive regulatory systems are established to protect our communities and until there is meaningful and effective participation in line with the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), ensuring full respect for the rights of Indigenous Peoples under national and international law”.
The Ministry has since indicated that it is awaiting the findings from the police investigation to make a more informed decision that will benefit residents in the community and surrounding areas.
Joint Services search
Meanwhile, members of the Joint Services are still combing the Deep South Rupununi, in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) in pursuit of the six men involved in the shocking armed robbery and abduction.
The incident, which occurred around 10:30h on Saturday at GGMC’s checkpoint at Bush Mouth involved several victims including five Guyanese and four Brazilian nationals, among them: Natural Resources Officers Victor Adams, 34, and Romain Simon, 39; Christopher Charles, a 17-year-old barber from Lethem; Curtis Charles, a 35-year-old Lieutenant in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF); and a 30-year-old Community Mines Ranger, Karl Antone, from Aishalton Village.
Investigations revealed that two of the three vehicles allegedly used by the suspects were registered in Brazil, bearing Brazilian licence plates. Police on Monday said that authorities in Guyana have since extended their investigations, partnering with the Federal Police in Brazil to pursue leads and determine the full extent of the crime’s cross-border elements.
According to GPF, Romain Simon was reportedly robbed of a Glock 17 pistol with a fully loaded magazine, along with a Movado watch valued at $140,000. Victor Adams was similarly robbed of a Glock 17 pistol with 15 rounds of ammunition. Additionally, Community Mines Ranger, Karl Antone, lost $100,000.
Meanwhile, Dionei Faribas De Brito, one of the Brazilian victims has said that his initial statements to the police were misunderstood. De Brito revealed that during the encounter with the suspects, he was coerced into transferring 30,000 reais (equivalent to Gy $1.2 million) to a Brazilian Pix account, a real-time digital payment system. This transfer, he explained, was made under duress after the suspects demanded gold, which he did not have at the time. Instead, they insisted on a hefty payment, initially demanding one million reais. The funds have since been recovered by Brazilian law enforcement officials.
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