A 69-year-old shop owner from Rose Hall, Berbice, is grappling with trauma following a recent robbery carried out by three armed, masked men. Shanie Ramsingh, the proprietor of Shanie’s Grocery and Off-Licence Liquor Store, located at lot 75 Reef Section, recounted her harrowing experience to reporters.
The incident occurred around 9:00 PM on Monday while Ramsingh was engaged in conversation with a customer. Suddenly, three armed men emerged from the back of her property, locking eyes with her before moving towards a nearby yard where her nephew, Steven Ramsingh, lives. In a terrifying turn of events, one of the bandits discharged a shot into the air, prompting Shanie to swiftly retreat into a section of her shop and lock the door behind her.
Steven, 46, who was at home enjoying a meal, described hearing a noise resembling firecrackers. Moments later, he found himself held at gunpoint by one of the robbers, who demanded money and jewelry. Despite explaining that he had neither, the assailants began to rummage through his belongings until they discovered some cash.
After obtaining the money, the robbers made their escape just as Steven’s cousin arrived in a black Fielder wagon, which the intruders subsequently used as their getaway vehicle. Steven noted that the assailants appeared young, making it difficult for him to provide a detailed description.
The incident was promptly reported to the Rose Hall Town Police Station, which has initiated an investigation into the robbery.
In the aftermath of the traumatic event, Shanie expressed her distress, stating, “I am so traumatised. Like unto now me is not myself. I went through it two times, and like how I’m aging, I feel it although they didn’t get to do me anything. I imagine if they did manage to get me, what would have happened.”
Additionally, Shanie raised concerns about the overgrown brush on an abandoned lot behind her shop, suggesting that such areas may serve as hiding spots for criminals. She urged the Rose Hall Town Municipality to assess the site and consider clearing the dense vegetation to enhance community safety.
