Gov’t rebuffs U.S. travel advisory; Harmon says Guyana safe to live, work and invest

The Government has rebuffed the United States travel advisory on Guyana because of criminal activities here.

“Guyana is a safe place.

“It’s a safe place to live, it is a safe place to work, it’s a safe place to invest,” Joseph Harmon, Director General of the Ministry of the President, said Friday.

He said the Commissioner of Police is expected to address the advisory at a press conference next week.

In it’s advisory to exercise increased caution in Guyana due to crime, the U.S government said “violent crime, such as armed robbery and murder, is common” and that “local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.”

But Harmon disagreed. He said that the Police Force is “suitably equipped” and “staffed” to address criminal activities.

Referring to the advisory issued on Thursday, Harmon said such warnings causes persons to think twice about visiting Guyana.

The U.S. advisory urges those visiting Guyana to be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs, to avoid walking or driving at night and refrain from displaying signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewellery.