PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar is reserving judgment until all the facts are on the table about the 470 bars of raw gold that exited Guyana for Curacao, aboard a vessel that was reportedly robbed by importers upon arrival at its destination.

Yesterday, President Ramotar told reporters that some international assistance would probably have to be requested based on reports in the press that authorities in Curacao are insisting that the shipment was legal.
He was, however, perturbed by the situation which he feels is robbing Guyana of revenue, especially at a time when there are needs within the society to be met.
Government and law enforcement officials are working in partnership with international authorities to get to the bottom of the incident which has made the local and international news.
It was reported that the vessel was attacked and robbed on November 30 in Curacao by masked gunmen, pretending to be police officers.
Attempts to ascertain whether there was any smuggling involved saw Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud convening a meeting with various stakeholders in the gold sector. The minister stated that the President and the Government are very concerned and are treating the report with a high level of seriousness.