By Leroy Smith
POLICE detectives last evening were busy processing the crime scene on America Street, Georgetown’s ‘Wall Street’, after some ten masked gunmen daringly rode up on motorcycles and opened rapid fire while grabbing millions of dollars from money changers.

High caliber weapons were also used as this spent shell indicates.

According to information received, the masked bandits who wore long sleeve jerseys appeared from almost every direction while firing into the air and at the money changers on America and Hinck Streets during rush hour in the busy commercial area.
While initial reports suggested that four persons were robbed, Ryburn Fraser of 2688 Manatee Place, South Ruimveldt Park, a father of four, suffered the biggest loss of approximately $1.6M.
Fraser was shot earlier this year in South Ruimveldt when he was robbed of more than one million dollars and gold but managed to drive himself to the Georgetown Public Hospital.
Speaking with the media yesterday evening at the scene, Fraser said that the other three money changers were lying on the ground as the gunmen snatched their wads of cash but he was standing when he was relieved him of his bag of money and gold jewellery.

Money changer Ryburn Fraser speaking to members of the media last evening.

The visibly upset and shaken man bemoaned the security situation in the country, remarking that it seemed to be getting worse.
He lifted his jersey to show scars from the bullet wounds he sustained when he was robbed earlier this year. He related that he has been changing money for approximately twenty- five years and all he has achieved in life came through his currency changing business.
The man vowed, however, not to give up his trade which is vital for him to earn and provide for his family. He recalled returning to the street to resume his business after the attack earlier this year, through the generosity of his mother who sent him money from overseas.
He noted that it has been only about a month and two weeks since he returned to the America Street area. This newspaper was unable to speak with any of the others who were robbed as they were too distraught at the time.
There was already a high police presence on the scene when the Guyana Chronicle arrived. Several persons confirmed seeing some of the bandits brandishing ‘long’ weapons and other small arms during the attack which lasted for approximately five minutes.
Several spent shells were seen scattered on the ground as the police hurried to secure them for ballistic tests. Meanwhile, this newspaper observed that there is at least one security camera in the area that should enable investigators to secure some useful footage.
During the shooting, several persons scampered for cover while others rushed mindlessly and dangerously towards the direction of the gunfire.