East Canje Businessman robbed at gunpoint in front of family

A 57-year-old East Canje businessman was robbed at gunpoint by armed men who stormed his beverage depot business at Lot 180 Number Two Public Road, East Canje, Berbice around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.

The businessman, identified as Jagnarine Persaud, called “Balram,” was in his office when the three masked and armed men entered the premises demanding money.

Persaud said the business was open at the time, and his son was seated outside along with a customer. His wife was upstairs but had come downstairs as the couple had planned to go out.

The suspects reportedly arrived in a motorcar with its indicators flashing and no number plate as it reversed towards the business.

Three men, including the driver, exited the car and intercepted a customer who was about to leave. During the commotion, Persaud’s five-year-old son ran to his mother for safety, and as the child rushed into her arms, one of the suspects entered the office, where Persaud was at the time.

He recalled that he did not initially see the vehicle used by the suspects, but his son began shouting, prompting him to rush towards the door.

“They said they come for everything, and I said I have nothing,” Persaud recalled, explaining that the men demanded that he show them where he kept his money.

He said he initially resisted their demands, but eventually handed over a key to the draw after his life was threatened.

“They checked all the drawers, and then one locked. And I gave them the key. And they opened it and collected everything,” he said.

The suspects reportedly carted off with an undisclosed sum of cash before fleeing in the still-running motorcar.

Persaud said his wife later told him that the perpetrators were armed with two guns, a bat and a cutlass.

He disclosed that this was not the first time he had been robbed. He was previously targeted at another business location a short distance away, but said this was the first robbery at his current premises.

Persaud revealed that he had applied for a firearm licence approximately four to five years ago but is yet to receive approval.