A Cuban woman reported being attacked by a group of six men on motorcycles while returning from work in Guyana. During the assault, she lost her purse containing vital documents and sustained minor injuries to her leg.
Ailin Bustamante shared her experience on Monday in the Facebook group Revolico Guyana, detailing that the incident took place at approximately 8:30 p.m.
According to Bustamante, the assailants were Guyanese and approached her on motorcycles, snatching her purse as she was on her way home from work.
Luckily, she did not have her cell phone in the bag, although she did lose important paperwork needed for a recently signed job contract. "Thank God the phone wasn't in there, but my most important document was. If anyone finds it, please contact me. I was carrying it because I had just signed a work contract," she added.
Despite the ordeal, Bustamante confirmed she was unharmed, stating, "Thank God I'm fine; I only have some bruises on my leg."
The post sparked a flurry of responses from other Cubans living in or familiar with Guyana. Many advised against carrying documents, money, or phones in handbags and emphasized keeping passports especially secure.
"Never keep documents, money, or a phone in a bag; always in your clothing pockets," one user recommended.
Others suggested carrying a photocopy of the passport and securing the original in a safe place whenever possible.
Additional comments urged people to avoid walking alone at night and to remain vigilant around motorcycles and vehicles.
One user advised Bustamante to contact the police or immigration authorities if she couldn't recover her documentation.
"Thank God you're alive; everything else can be resolved," remarked another person, while several participants expressed concern over what they described as declining safety in the country.
However, some respondents pointed out that such incidents are not unique to Guyana. "These things happen in almost every country, not just Guyana," one user commented.
This report comes about a month after another resident in Guyana warned of several violent episodes and thefts affecting Cuban migrants.
At that time, the individual urged fellow Cubans to take extra precautions, especially when traveling at night for work-related reasons.
Concerns had heightened following an incident where a 49-year-old Cuban man was stabbed by six men during the theft of his electric bicycle in Georgetown. The man sustained an abdominal injury and required hospitalization.
Other violent incidents have impacted Cuban nationals throughout 2026. In May, a 23-year-old Cuban was fatally shot at his workplace in Georgetown, while in April, another 19-year-old Cuban survived an attack in which a knife was lodged in his skull.
Safety Concerns for Cubans in Guyana
What should Cubans avoid carrying in their bags in Guyana?
Cubans are advised to avoid carrying documents, money, or phones in their bags and instead keep them in their clothing pockets to prevent theft.
What safety precautions are recommended for Cubans in Guyana?
Cubans in Guyana should avoid walking alone at night, stay alert to motorcycles and vehicles, and secure important documents by carrying photocopies and storing originals safely.
What should a Cuban do if they lose important documents in Guyana?
If important documents are lost, it is advised to contact the police or immigration authorities for assistance in recovering or replacing them.