As the diaspora knows quite well, the Canadian and US travel advisories are accurate assessments of crime back home. Sad to say, this knowledge is based on evidence, as many nationals from Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana living in the GTA either have direct experience, or close family members that were victims of crime.
According to the latest travel advisory from the US, Guyana was listed at Level 2, which advises visitors to exercise increased caution. According to the advisory, “Violent crime, such as armed robbery and murder, is common,” and it goes further to note that, “[local] police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents”.
The advisory also notes the requirement for vigilance when visiting banks or ATMs; to avoid walking or driving at night; and to not physically resist a robbery attempt. Visitors are also warned to not exhibit obvious, visual signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
Our own Canadian government’s travel advisory is even more specific, with the addition of details that are sober, disquieting, and accurate. It rightly asserts that crime is prevalent across Guyana, with “[assaults], break-ins, armed robberies, pickpocketing, purse snatching, theft from cars and carjacking” common. The advisory also alerts visitors about known crime sites, to be “particularly cautious in Georgetown: in Stabroek Market, Tiger Bay and south of Brickdam Street”.
It also notes: “Canadians have been assaulted and robbed in daylight in other parts of Georgetown, including the city centre. Many crimes are committed along and around the sea wall, from east of the Pegasus Hotel Guyana to Sheriff Street, including the wharf.” Also, that “[violent] incidents occur in the East Coast Demerara region (especially near the villages of Buxton and Friendship, the East Bank Demerara region and the New Amsterdam area).”
As frequent visitors to the homeland, particular attention should be paid to the advisory when it notes returning Guyanese citizens, and foreigners, are preferred targets for crimes. Like the US advisory, it warns, “Avoid showing signs of affluence. Do not walk alone after dark, and avoid deserted or under-populated areas. Also, “Foreigners have been injured while being robbed at gunpoint, and some have been attacked after withdrawing money at financial institutions, in shopping districts and in hotels. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Do not change money in the street with street changers; do so at banks, exchange offices and hotels. Robberies and assaults also occur in taxis. Do not offer resistance.”
We are reminded to pay attention to the surroundings, especially when entering or leaving vehicles, residences, and public places; to use the hotel safe to secure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents; to stay in accommodations with good security, and always verify the identity of a visitor before opening the door.
We have used this space before to remind the Caribbean community, and Guyanese and Trinidad and Tobago nationals, about exercising caution and vigilance when in the homelands. Many members of our community have been involved, or are close to victims of serious crimes back home. When journeying to our part of the world, or anywhere else, the importance of securing personal safety and enhancing vigilance cannot be stressed enough.
Therefore, it is easy to read the effort by the Guyana government, notably its Director in the Presidential Secretariat Joseph Harmon, in issuing a contrary account of the security situation following the recent US advisory, to be nothing more than mere spin. Harmon has insisted Guyana is safe, while warning the negative US advisory could impact on travel and investments, saying, “Guyana is a safe place. It’s a safe place to live; it is a safe place to work; it’s a safe place to invest”.
The reality is we know better; and despite Harmon’s spin, we will continue to exercise caution and vigilance when visiting Guyana, and our homelands in the Caribbean.