Guyana: US Embassy issues crime alert for Georgetown Nov. 15

Event

The US Embassy in Georgetown issued a warning on Wednesday, November 15, advising its citizens to avoid the area around Massy’s Grocery Store in the Providence area of the capital. Local officials have confirmed a high level of criminal activity in the area since July, with the majority of incidents occurring after 20:00 (local time).

Context

As of 2013 (the most recent data available), Guyana’s murder rate is the third-highest in South America. In 2016, 155 incidents of armed robbery were reported in Georgetown.

Advice

Individuals in Guyana (Georgetown in particular) are advised to monitor the local security situation, obey all instructions issued by the local authorities, and be vigilant at all times, especially when alone and in isolated urban areas at night.