Bartender, others arrested over rape of 20-yr-old at Soesdyke bar

– APA calls for permanent closure of bar, justice for victim

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Saturday stated that several arrests were made in connection with the alleged drugging and rape of a 20-year-old woman at Raghoo’s Sports Bar in Soesdyke.
The incident reportedly occurred during a party at the venue, in full view of patrons. Disturbingly, instead of intervening, many attendees recorded the assault on their phones, while others appeared to encourage the act. Footage of the incident has since circulated widely on social media.

According to an issued police statement, the young woman was taken to the Timehri Police Station to file a report by Indigenous rights advocate and Alliance For Change (AFC) member, Laura George.
The victim alleged that she was drugged and sexually assaulted by three men at the bar. Police have since confirmed the arrest of the bartender and several other individuals of interest, while the law enforcement officers are also working to locate additional suspects and witnesses who were identified in the video.
In light of this incident, the bar was shut down by the authorities, with the Human Services and Social Security Ministry stating that it should remain permanently closed. Meanwhile, the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) has expressed deep concern and outrage regarding the “horrific video” currently circulating on social media, which depicts the brutal rape of a young Indigenous woman inside a public bar. According to the group, “this act is not only a vile crime but a blatant violation of human dignity and a chilling reminder of the systemic violence faced by Indigenous women in Guyana”.
In a statement issued, APA demanded that the perpetrators of this “abhorrent crime face the full extent of the law without any delay or leniency”, noting that justice must be swift, uncompromising, and complete.
In addition, acknowledging the immediate response by the GPF, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, APA called on the Government of Guyana to “ensure that the bar where this crime occurred is shut down permanently and urge the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to immediately revoke all licences held by the owner. Such an establishment has no place in our society, and allowing it to continue operations would be an insult to all women across the country.”
On Friday, Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud, condemned the incident in a public statement calling the footage “most reprehensible.”
“It was most reprehensible to see persons filming the incident rather than helping this woman, and the DJ encouraging the perpetrator to perform lewd acts on the victim,” Dr Persaud stated. “I immediately alerted the Guyana Police Force and the Ministry of Home Affairs; and the Ministry of Human Services has been collaborating with them to address this reprehensible incident.”
The Ministry of Human Services has since pledged full support to the victim, while also urging members of the public not to share the video, citing that doing so would further violate the victim’s rights.
Meanwhile, the Home Affairs Ministry also issued a statement expressing deep concern over the circulating videos and confirmed that the GPF has launched a formal investigation into the incident. Officers from Regional Division 4B are leading the probe. Police have also appealed to members of the public to refrain from spreading the video and instead share any relevant information with law enforcement. Witnesses are encouraged to contact the 4B Divisional Headquarters at Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD) or report to the nearest police station.