Dainier Vegas Infante, a 23-year-old Cuban working as a janitor at a bar on Forshaw Street in the Queenstown neighborhood of Georgetown, was tragically shot dead at his workplace on Sunday morning, according to the Guyana Police.
Local media outlets, including News Source, reported that the crime took place around 5:45 a.m., when four men arrived near the bar.
Authorities revealed that one of the suspects, wielding a firearm, approached two men sitting outside the establishment and started a conversation with them.
Infante stepped outside and joined the group, at which point the armed suspect shot him in the upper body, causing him to fall to the ground.
The shooter fled the scene in a vehicle on Forshaw Street while the other three suspects escaped in separate vehicles. Those present were left in shock as they witnessed the lifeless body of the young man.
An on-duty physician declared the victim dead at the scene. His body was later taken to Memorial Gardens Funeral Home for an autopsy.
The incident was caught on the establishment's surveillance cameras, and investigators are reviewing the footage as part of their investigation. The video, shared by The News Desk, shows the sequence of events.
Police responded swiftly. "Thanks to coordinated efforts and the use of the Guyana Police Command Center, a vehicle linked to the incident was identified and intercepted, resulting in the arrest of a 45-year-old woman, the manager from Little Diamond, East Bank Demerara, who is now in custody," stated the Guyana Police in a release.
The vehicle has been seized and is being processed as evidence. Authorities have noted that the four main suspects remain at large and are believed to be foreigners as well, News Room reported.
The young man was residing in Alexander Village, Georgetown, according to official confirmations.
Rising Violence Against Cubans in Guyana
This crime adds to a disturbing trend of violence against Cubans in Guyana, which has intensified over the past two years.
Since October 2024, at least five Cubans have been killed in the country: Yuni Zamora Castro, José Aurelio Ramírez, Davely Morales, Pedro Alexander Frometa Slonchak — who was shot by a security guard in a Georgetown supermarket in August 2025 — and Ariel Betancourt Ramírez, who was stabbed during an apparent robbery in December 2025.
The Cuban community in Guyana is estimated at between 5,000 and 7,000 people, primarily centered in Georgetown, where they work in construction and services. Many also face precarious immigration situations, as Guyana's system only allows for three-month visa extensions, with a maximum of two renewals.
In April this year, a 19-year-old Cuban survived in Guyana following emergency surgery to remove a knife lodged in his brain, highlighting the vulnerability of this migrant community.
Understanding the Challenges Faced by Cubans in Guyana
What led to the recent increase in violence against Cubans in Guyana?
The rise in violence against Cubans in Guyana is attributed to a combination of factors including socio-economic instability, immigration challenges, and criminal activities targeting vulnerable communities.
How has the Cuban community in Guyana been affected by immigration policies?
The Cuban community faces significant challenges due to restrictive immigration policies that offer limited visa extensions, leading to precarious living situations and increased vulnerability.
What are the main occupations of Cubans living in Georgetown, Guyana?
Cubans in Georgetown primarily work in construction and service industries, contributing significantly to the local economy despite facing numerous challenges.