Two Cuban nationals faced a terrifying armed robbery after stepping into a car for a ride to Wales, Guyana, marking yet another incident of violence targeting the island's migrant community in the region.
The incident unfolded on Friday night in Stanleytown, located on the western bank of the Demerara River, as reported by the Guyana Chronicle, referencing police sources.
The victims, factory workers aged 41 and 29, entered a silver-gray car already occupied by another man sitting in the front seat.
According to the report, upon reaching Stanleytown, the driver’s companion brandished a firearm, demanding the Cubans hand over their possessions.
The assailants made off with two cell phones, a wristwatch, a wallet, and 8,000 Guyanese dollars in cash. The victims were then forced out of the vehicle, which quickly departed the scene.
Police have identified surveillance cameras in the vicinity and plan to review footage as part of their ongoing investigation. As of Sunday, no arrests had been announced.
This robbery occurred just four days after another Cuban woman was assaulted by six men on motorcycles while returning from work. She lost her purse containing essential documents and sustained leg injuries.
Cubans residing in Guyana have been targets of several violent incidents in recent months. In August, 49-year-old Yoilan Guindo Mestre was stabbed in the abdomen during the theft of his electric bicycle in Georgetown.
The surge in violent acts has raised alarms among the Cuban community in Guyana. In August, a local content creator publicly warned about the increasing danger: "We have become prime targets for criminals."
The investigation into the Stanleytown robbery is still ongoing, with Guyanese police yet to report any detentions as of Sunday.
Violence Against Cubans in Guyana: Key Questions
What happened to the Cubans in Stanleytown, Guyana?
Two Cuban men were robbed at gunpoint after entering a car to travel to Wales, Guyana. They were forced to surrender their belongings before being let out of the vehicle.
Have there been other attacks on Cubans in Guyana recently?
Yes, there have been several incidents, including the recent assault of a Cuban woman by six men on motorcycles and the stabbing of Yoilan Guindo Mestre during a robbery in August.
What measures are being taken by the police in Guyana?
The police are reviewing surveillance footage from the area as part of their investigation, although no arrests have been made as of the latest reports.