Authorities destroy brothels operated by convicted Venezuelan woman

Two brothels, respectively located at Barakatt Backdam and Crusher Landing in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), which were being operated by a convicted Venezuelan woman, have been destroyed by the authorities.

The Home Affairs Ministry said that, on Monday, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), in collaboration with the Ministerial Taskforce on Trafficking in Persons, destroyed the illegal structures. These establishments were being operated by Mayelin Josefina Cordova, a 41-year-old Venezuelan national who was recently convicted and sentenced to six months in prison under the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act for using a brothel.
Two Venezuelan women were found at the property. As investigations continue into this case, the Ministry said it will keep the public informed. “Further, we would like to thank the Guyana Police Force – TIP Unit; Counter Trafficking in Persons Unit; Ministry of Human Services and Social Security; Office of the Director of Public Prosecution; and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) for their continued support in our fight against human trafficking in Guyana,” the statement read.
It added, “The [Trafficking in Persons] Taskforce and its sister agencies will continue (their) focus on increasing awareness of human trafficking, strengthening enforcement efforts, international cooperation, and enhancing work with all stakeholders (Government, Civil Society organisations, and the Private Sector) to prevent human trafficking and thwart the efforts of traffickers.”
On Wednesday, April 26, Cordova was arraigned in the Bartica Magistrate’s Court and pleaded guilty to operating the brothels — a place where people engage in sexual activity with prostitutes. She was subsequently jailed by the presiding magistrate.

This is the third conviction the Human Services and Social Security Counter-Trafficking in Persons Unit has secured so far this year, and it continues to provide protective care, counselling, and other support to victims of human trafficking.
Back in March, businessmen Feezal Shaw and Tito Browne were sentenced to terms of imprisonment for human trafficking. Shaw, 64, of Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment after he was convicted of trafficking a Venezuelan national for labour exploitation. As part of his sentence, Shaw must pay $2,127,000 in restitution to the victim.
And Browne, known as “Tommy” and “Yankee”, was sentenced to four years in prison on each of two counts of human trafficking involving two Jamaicans.
The sentences will, however, run concurrently. He was also handed a one-year jail sentence on a count of withholding their passports.
The 44-year-old Browne, of Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), was also fined $200,000 and ordered to pay $6,300,000 in restitution to the victims.
The Government’s commitment to preventing human trafficking has been demonstrated in the implementation of several policies and collaborations with various stakeholders, including the Guyana Police Force (GPF); GGMC; Maritime and Airport security officials; medical professionals; and Education, Welfare, and Guidance officers.
Notably, Guyana has maintained its Tier One status in the US Department of State’s 2022 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report.
According to the report, “The Government of Guyana fully meets the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking. The Government continued to demonstrate serious and sustained efforts during the reporting period, considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its anti-trafficking capacity; therefore, Guyana remained on Tier 1.”
The Human Services and Social Security Ministry continues to encourage people to report all suspicious activities on hotline numbers (592) 227-4083 or (592) 623-5030. Spanish-speaking persons can contact (592) 624-0079. (G1)