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Guyanese men abducted by Venezuelan gang
Boat Captain Fredrick Pollard, who was abducted by Venezuelan gang
Kaieteur News – Police in Region Seven are investigating the abduction of two Guyanese men, including a boat captain, by members of the Venezuelan Syndicato gang along the Cuyuni River in the Eteringbang area.
The incident reportedly occurred between August 24 and 25, 2025. One of the victims has been identified as 66-year-old Fredrick Pollard, a boat captain of Second Avenue, Bartica. The identity of the second abducted man remains unknown at this time.
Pollard was last contacted by his son on Sunday, August 24, while he was traveling from Ekereku Backdam to Devil Hole Landing. According to police, his son, Dameon Williams, a 41-year-old boat builder and captain from River’s View, Essequibo River, said he received a disturbing call claiming that his father had been forcibly held by gunmen at Botanamu Creek.
Police said in a statement on Wednesday that they are actively investigating the incident. “During the interview, Williams stated that his father operates a metal boat equipped with two 75hp Yamaha outboard engines, which he uses to shuttle fuel for Steve Mathdeo of Peter Rose Street, Queenstown, along a route from Devil Hole Landing to Ekereku Backdam on the Cuyuni River,” the police reported.
According to Williams, on August 21, at around 05:00 hours, Pollard left Devil Hole landing on a routine fuel delivery to Ekereku. Then, on August 24 at 07:05 hours, Williams received a call from his father who said he was heading back to Devil Hole Landing with an unknown male aboard the boat. “Williams affirmed that he has had no further contact with his father since that communication,” the police added.
Williams said that on Monday, around 13:00 hours, he received a phone call from an unknown person who stated that “his father had been forcibly held up by a Venezuelan Syndicato gang against his will while travelling in the vicinity of Botanamu Creek.” Police noted that “further contact was made with the source, and the details were later confirmed.”
As part of the investigation, police at Eteringbang also interviewed Collin Mathews, also known as “Blacks,” a 36-year-old boat captain from San Martin, Venezuela. In a recorded video statement, Mathews told investigators that while he was in his boat with nine passengers near Black Water Mouth on the Venezuelan shore, he heard what sounded like gunshots. He said members of the Syndicato gang intercepted his vessel and took them at gunpoint into a nearby creek.
“There, they observed Fredrick Pollard and another identifiable male in the same creek, who appeared to be alive and well,” police said. Mathews added that the gang members took a drum of fuel from his boat before releasing him and his passengers. The other nine individuals on board confirmed Mathews’ account.
As the investigation continues, concern is mounting among regional officials and residents. On Wednesday, Region Seven Chairman Kenneth Williams took to Facebook, urging the Government of Guyana to intervene urgently to ensure the safe return of Pollard and the unidentified man. Williams called on the authorities to do “everything in their power, diplomatic or otherwise,” to secure their release.
Williams described Pollard as “a friend, an exceptional captain and sports enthusiast,” noting that he was known for navigating the Cuyuni and Mazaruni rivers to bring the Eteringbang Football Club to Bartica for Regatta tournaments. “This incident has struck the heart of Eteringbang and this region like a ton of bricks,” Williams wrote. “His last mission was in service to this country.” The Chairman added that the region continues to pray for Pollard’s safe return. “The Region prays for his quick release and return to his Family,” he emphasised.
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