Two Cuban nationals were remanded to prison on Monday after appearing before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, where they denied multiple charges stemming from an alleged human trafficking operation in Prashad Nagar, Greater Georgetown.
Raudel Ramirez Valverde, also known as “Pitulin,” a 32-year-old Cuban national described as unemployed, was arraigned on two indictable charges: trafficking in persons, contrary to Section 4(1) of the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act 2023, and unlawful withholding of identification papers, contrary to Section 5(1) of the same Act.
Particulars of the trafficking charge allege that between March 1 and April 19, 2026, at Amla Avenue, Prashad Nagar, Valverde recruited Yeni Tomayo Cobas by means of deception for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation. It is further alleged that between April 11 and 12, 2026, at the same location, he acted as an employment agent and knowingly confiscated the woman’s passport in furtherance of trafficking. Valverde pleaded not guilty to both charges.
According to the prosecution, the accused initially contacted the virtual complainant (VC) and offered her legitimate employment as a store salesperson in Guyana. However, upon her arrival in the country, the situation allegedly took a drastic turn.
The court heard that Valverde collected the woman’s passport immediately after her arrival and refused to return it unless she repaid a sum of US$5,400. He allegedly informed her that she was indebted to him and further demanded monthly rent of US$300, equivalent to approximately GY$600,000, for accommodation at his residence in Prashad Nagar.
Prosecutors contended that the accused, along with his co-defendant, then forced the woman into commercial sex work at the Magic City nightclub, where she was allegedly required to work every night.
The situation reportedly escalated when the VC “got fed up” and refused to continue working. As a result, she was moved from the Prashad Nagar address to another property in Melanie on the East Coast of Demerara. Upon arrival, she allegedly observed approximately 28 other Cuban nationals engaged in similar activities, suggesting a wider human trafficking operation.
During the hearing, a translator was required as Valverde could not communicate in English. Through the interpreter, he told the court that he resides at Amla Avenue with his girlfriend, the co-accused in the matter. He disclosed that although he is legally married, his wife resides in Cuba, while he lives in Guyana with another partner. He also stated that he has two children.
In objecting to bail, the prosecution cited the seriousness and prevalence of trafficking in persons, emphasizing that the accused exploited the trust of the virtual complainant and exercised control over her movements and documents. The prosecution further argued that Valverde poses a flight risk, noting that he has no established ties to Guyana and resides at a rented property. Concerns were also raised about potential interference with the virtual complainant given his direct contact with her.
When invited to respond, Valverde questioned whether the case against him was based solely on the complainant’s account or on evidence gathered by investigators. The prosecution responded that investigations are nearly complete.
He then applied for bail, stating that he has a fixed address and is not a flight risk. He offered to surrender his passport to the court, arguing that doing so would prevent him from leaving the jurisdiction. He also expressed a desire to resolve the matter promptly.
However, Magistrate McGusty noted several deficiencies in his application, including the absence of a verifiable address with a lot or street number and the lack of clarity regarding his immigration status in Guyana. She also pointed out that the court had no access to any tenancy agreement he claimed to have signed. The magistrate further questioned what assurances could be provided that the accused would not interfere with the virtual complainant.
Concluding that there were insufficient grounds to grant bail, she ordered that he be remanded to prison. When the accused inquired whether he could secure bail to obtain legal representation, the magistrate informed him that he could retain an attorney while in custody.
Yenifer Maria Quevedo, a 22-year-old Cuban national of the same Amla Avenue address, was also charged with trafficking in persons, contrary to Section 4(1) of the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act 2023.
Particulars of the charge allege that between April 11 and 19, 2026, she harboured the virtual complainant through force or other means of coercion for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation. Quevedo pleaded not guilty.
In her address to the court, she stated that she has no children and earns a living by “sending packages” to individuals in Cuba. She confirmed that she resides with Valverde.
The prosecution objected to bail on similar grounds, arguing that the offence is serious and that she poses a flight risk. It was further alleged that she had knowledge of the victim’s situation and actively assisted in recruiting, harbouring, and coercing her, while benefiting financially through rent payments.
Although Quevedo indicated that she has relatives in Guyana, including cousins who have lived in the country for several years, the prosecution maintained that she lacks sufficient ties to the jurisdiction.
Magistrate McGusty agreed, ruling that the defendant failed to demonstrate meaningful local ties that would ensure her attendance at trial. Bail was therefore refused, and she was also remanded to prison.
Both defendants were remanded to prison and are expected to return to court on May 28, 2026. The case represents a significant operation against human trafficking in Guyana, with authorities continuing investigations into the wider scope of the alleged exploitation network.
