PNCR/APNU Condemns Brewster Killing, Calls for Action on Gun Crime

The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) have strongly condemned the tragic killing of Faynell Brewster, a young mother who was shot and killed during a failed robbery attempt targeting her brother on Sunday night.

In a press release issued on Monday, the PNCR/APNU expressed deep sorrow over the loss and extended heartfelt condolences to Brewster’s family. “No family should have to endure such senseless loss,” the statement said. “We stand with them in their call for justice and urge the authorities to conduct a full and transparent investigation to ensure that those responsible are swiftly brought before the law.”

The incident, which has left the community in shock, comes amid persistent concerns over violent crime, especially gun-related robberies. The PNCR/APNU said this tragedy “underscores the growing threat of crime that continues to plague our communities” and called on the government to “take stronger and more decisive action” to restore public safety.

“We must not allow another innocent life to be lost before real change takes place,” the statement continued. “The PNCR/APNU remains committed to working toward a safer Guyana where every citizen, especially women and children, can live without fear.”

Over the past five years, according to reports, Guyana has experienced fluctuating robbery trends. In 2018, the national robbery rate was 140.4 per 100,000 people. By 2019, 498 armed robberies were reported, with total robbery incidents falling from around 1,458 in 2015 to 976 in 2019. In 2021, the country recorded the lowest number of robberies in over a decade — 638 across all categories. This decline continued into 2022 and 2023, with a 15% drop in robberies in 2023, including a 23% decline in robbery under arms and a 34% decrease in robbery with violence.

However, 2024 saw a worrying reversal in one area: robberies involving firearms increased by 13.5%, with 286 reported incidents, even as other robbery categories reportedly continued to decline. This recent spike has renewed calls for urgent action to address the proliferation of illegal firearms and bolster law enforcement across the country.

The police investigation into Faynell Brewster’s killing is ongoing.