‘GT ON TENTERHOOKS’

Apr 30, 2025 News

…as city stores closed doors

…govt. imposes curfew

Kaieteur News- A feeling of nervousness has gripped Georgetown and other parts of the coastlands following Monday night’s riots across the country as several businesses closed their doors and citizens largely stayed away from the city.

Several Chinese-owned supermarkets were looted and damaged on Monday night during a violent unrest that erupted after the autopsy results of 11-year-old Adriana Younge revealed she died by drowning.

Aftermath of the destruction at a Chinese supermarket located in Sophia.

What began as a protest soon turned violent, with several individuals using the chaos as an opportunity to loot and engage in criminal activity. Chinese supermarkets across the city were among the primary targets for looting.

Most Chinese supermarkets closed their doors on Tuesday following Monday night’s looting and destruction.

Aye Supermarket, located at Four Corners in C Field, Sophia, sustained significant damage. The store was looted and set on fire during the disturbance.

Tesco Supermarket was also looted during the chaos, as were other businesses, including one at the corner of Broad and Saffon Streets. In that case, bandits also attempted to rob a nearby store but were unsuccessful after police responded quickly.

Most Chinese supermarkets closed their doors on Tuesday following Monday night’s looting and destruction.

One Chinese supermarket reported that more than 16 gas cylinders were stolen from a locked cage in front of the building. CCTV footage captured the men walking and riding past the supermarket multiple times before one of them used a tool to break the lock. Once inside, they took turns riding away with the cylinders.

A car was also seen stopping and making off with several cylinders. The bandits later attempted to steal the store’s bus by breaking a window, but they were unsuccessful.

A drive around the city on Tuesday revealed that nearly all Chinese supermarkets remained closed. Along the East Coast, most supermarkets also had their doors shut.

CCTV footage shows bandits carting off several gas cylinders

The closures came in response to the looting that occurred after Adriana’s post-mortem results were released. A few businesses remained open, offering services to customers despite the unrest.

Chinese supermarkets have been a target for armed robberies. Recently, this publication reported that in the wake of a rising number of violent robberies targeting Chinese-owned supermarkets across Guyana, China’s Deputy Chief of Mission, Huang Rui, is encouraging his countrymen to beef up their security with the employment of guards.

Rui’s comments came following the aftermath of a foiled armed robbery at Jai Jai Supermarket on Hadfield Street, Georgetown, during which two bandits were shot dead by an on-duty armed security guard. The suspects, identified as 15-year-old Tyrese Adams and 22-year-old Orwin Garraway, were killed after attempting to rob the store. Police reported that the duo, along with two other accomplices, were armed with handguns and stormed the supermarket. However, the security guard, armed with a 9mm pistol, responded and fatally shot the two robbers.

Reports show that between October 2024 and March 2025, seven armed robberies took place at Chinese-owned businesses across Guyana, resulting in the theft of millions.

Returning to normalcy

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs in a statement said that the national situation is returning to normalcy and as of today normal business activities are expected to resume across the country. “The Minister of Home Affairs, Honourable Robeson Benn, has advised that the Joint Services, comprising the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Fire Service, Guyana Defence Force and other agencies have been actively engaged to ensure the continued safety of all citizens. Several individuals have been arrested, and reports are being prepared for further action,” the statement added.

The empty gas cage at the supermarket with only water bottles remaining.

The ministry said any further roadblocks and other criminal acts will be responded to promptly and decisively. “At this time, the situation across the country remains stable, with the exception of one isolated area along the Mabura trail to Linden. Authorities are currently resolving the situation to ensure that it does not impact on the broader restoration of normalcy,” the statement noted. Benn has reminded citizens that it is advisable to remain at home and in safe spaces between the hours of 22:00hrs (10:00 PM) and 05:00hrs (5:00 AM).

“This measure is critical to assist the security forces in maintaining public safety. While there is no formal change to the existing Public (Safety) Order 2025, at this time, residents are strongly encouraged to adhere to this safety practices for non-essential travel to allow security personnel to be able to respond promptly to any emerging issues. These precautions are part of the Ministry’s efforts to maintain a high level of security across the nation, ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents. Citizens are thanked for their cooperation and patience during this period,” the statement read.

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

One thought on “‘GT ON TENTERHOOKS’”

habeeb April 30, 2025 at 10:08 am

It is what these people know best.
Since the cost of living is high and many are living marginally on daily basis.
There are those who have and those who don’t have.
So, the next best thing in “disagreement” to specialized doctors actual
examination, is looting and stealing, and burning.
It’s in our DNA from way, way, back as far as I remember….1962 and
onwards.

Comments are closed.

Latest News