A Joint Services patrol escorting ballot boxes and officials of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) along the Upper Cuyuni River in Region 7 came under fire from the Venezuelan shore on Sunday afternoon.
The incident occurred at approximately 14:30 hours in the vicinity of Bamboo, near the Guyana–Venezuela border. The escort team, comprising ranks from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Guyana Police Force, was carrying out official duties in support of GECOM’s ballot distribution to remote polling stations. A total of nine GECOM officials were aboard the vessels at the time.
According to the Joint Services, the patrol immediately returned fire and successfully manoeuvred the escort team out of danger. No injuries were sustained, and no election materials were reported damaged or compromised.
Despite the armed attack, the escort team continued its mission, ensuring all ballot boxes were successfully delivered to their assigned polling stations at Cumang Landing, Kurutuku, and Dukuarie Landing. An earlier ballot box drop-off at Tumbang was also completed without incident.
The Joint Services emphasized that they remain alert and are coordinating closely with GECOM to safeguard all election-related operations. Authorities confirmed that an investigation into the incident is currently underway.
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