US citizens robbed shortly after arrival

Shortly after their arrival in Guyana, four American citizens were robbed on Friday of over half a million in cash and valuables when they were held at gunpoint during an attack at Leopold and Breda streets, Werk-en-Rust.

The attack took place at approximately 1 pm, when the victims, who are affiliated with the Coomacka Church of Christ, were travelling in a minibus driven by a Guyanese church member.

Darlene Gaines, 64, Joe Hughes, 60, Christina Gaines-Sluss, 45, and Daisy Gaines-Sluss,19, all US citizens, and Robin Collins, 40, of Coomacka Mines, Linden, were robbed of a quantity of local and foreign currency, cell phones, and other valuables, amounting to $725,000. The US nationals were also relieved of their passports.

The attack was carried out by four men, one of whom was armed with a handgun. Sunday Stabroek was told that the visitors were picked up at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport by Collins in minibus BKK 337 and they proceeded to Georgetown to do some shopping.

However, while on Leopold Street, the driver reportedly slowed down in order to allow other vehicles to pass and he was then confronted by the gunman, who reportedly pulled the key from the ignition of the minibus. The gunman was then joined by his accomplices, who relieved all the occupants of the bus, including the driver, of their valuables.

The bandits then made good their escape on foot.

A report was made to the police. This newspaper was told that several searches were conducted for the suspects but they were not located. The investigation is ongoing.