Alisha and Marion Figueira, proprietors of the Konawaruk mining camp that came under attack on Sunday, say they are fearful for their lives and will likely leave the industry.
The attack, which the Figueiras believe stems from an ongoing land dispute, saw a worker being shot and millions in damage being done at the camp. The wounded worker, Ray Murray, 44, of Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden, had told Stabroek News that he and others were working when a group of armed men invaded the camp at around 1PM on Sunday.
The men, who arrived in a land cruiser, shot at fuel tanks and engines. Murray was shot to the back of his head with pellets by the men.
The Figueiras said they are fearful for their lives and the incident has left their entire family along with the some 16 employees traumatised.
They added that after what they encountered on Sunday they have no plans to continue in the mining sector. They said they have lost millions of dollars they had invested in.
Alisha Figueira said that she has no confidence in the police force in Guyana after what has happened. She said nothing is being done and she was considering seeking international assistance. Both she and her husband questioned why no one was arrested.
However, Divisional Commander Courtney Ramsey told Stabroek News yesterday that no one has yet been arrested since police ranks were unable to locate workers when they arrived at the camp. The men were in the fields, he said. He added that a message was left with their boss for the workers to report with the police station. They had not up to yesterday.
