Following a shooting incident at Eteringbang in Region Seven, allegedly involving the Venezuelan ‘Sindicatos Gang’, concerns have risen again among residents that their security is not getting the type of attention needed but the police commander insists that the situation remains under control.
Miners, shopkeepers and residents in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni community have alleged harassment and robbery by the Venezuelan National Guard and the notorious Sindicato gang.
For the past six or more years, some persons had no option but to relocate while others have to fend for themselves despite the presence of members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and Guyana Defence Force (GDF) at the border between Guyana and Venezuela.
It is alleged that there are four checkpoints between Akarabisi and Eteringbang (one National Guard and three Sindicatos) and at every checkpoint they would have to stop and allow the armed guards and “Sindicatos” to examine their boats. Additionally, depending on what they are transporting, they are also required to pay, for example, $2,000 per drum of fuel and food and other supplies.
Adding to the problems, it was also explained that with the closure of the Eteringbang Airstrip, the shortage of supplies has forced them to use the river exclusively and thus face the illegal checks.
In March this year, the Region Seven Commander, Dion Moore had said that the security issue remained under control even though a resident spoken to by Stabroek News disagreed vehemently.
Following that, Stabroek News also spoke with the Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill and at that time, he pointed out that the airstrip completion was set for the month of July. The airstrip is being constructed by the GDF and is still to be completed.
Just two weeks ago, a man narrowly escaped serious injury after suspected members of the “Sindicatos” opened fire on a boat in the Cuyuni River, Region Seven with a bullet just passing through the pocket of his pants. The rest of the volley struck the engine of the boat and other places.
A GDF rank was at the time on the very boat and that rank returned fire. It is believed that the “Sindicatos” shot at the boat because it had failed to stop at their checkpoint. The following day, GDF ranks were again shot at and shots were returned.
As far as the residents of the community are concerned, the situation remains the same with little having been done. When Stabroek News contacted some of those who were affected, it was explained that the airport project continues to move at a slow pace.
There have also been complaints about the mining block not being properly supervised and no clear boundaries as to where one is permitted to mine. Compounding the issue is the fact that there has not been any investigation so far and that there is an invasion of the land by those who continue to terrorize miners.
“They have no accountability or anything here. They don’t have anybody at all who looks after this area, who checks about things that happening in this area. Apparently, they give up on this area or something. I don’t really understand what’s going on”, a resident, who wanted to remain anonymous said.
The resident added there is a need for serious intervention in the matter since for years this had been occurring and it continues to get worse.
When Commander Moore was contacted this week, he contended that the situation remains under control and police and the GDF continue to have joint patrols. He acknowledged that there had been two incidents, but no other such incident has been reported.
“We could also speak on what we have as a fact, but based upon when we patrol and what we recognize there has not been any other incident other than what is reported and what we know about”, he said.
When it comes to the gangs, he said that to his knowledge, persons on the Venezuelan side do not come over and terrorize the Guyanese.
“I am not aware that they do come and terrorize the Guyanese. What I know is when they traverse the waters, you will see groups of persons on the Venezuelan shore but those persons don’t come across and terrorize Guyanese nor on the water”, he said.
