RESIDENTS of Annai, North Rupununi, Region Nine, are calling on the authorities to address cattle rustling in the community, which they contend is becoming a norm.
“Villagers are suffering, especially those that are venturing into doing hard work to maintain the families and ensuring good comfort and provisions,” a resident noted on Saturday.

“We humbly asking for more intelligence and effective police actions to bring some sort of assurance to the villagers in that area, because if no action is taken, we fear this will continue,” he said.

An official at the Aranaputa /Buro Buro Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) told the Guyana Chronicle that the act has been occurring for years.

“We are not getting any justice from the police,” the official said, noting that the cattle rustlers, many of whom live within the villages which make up Annai, as well as neighbouring villages are “smart.” He said they would often cut out the brands from the cows and discard them. “So even if the police find the cow, they cannot prosecute,” he added.

Another resident, a businessman, noted that “all cattle ranchers are frustrated right now.” He said the issue is not encouraging to farmers. Annai is expected to undertake livestock development projects, but residents told this newspaper that they are unsure if many persons will embark on the venture.

“Reports are there, evidence is and even photos of animals missing, but nothing is being done,” a resident noted.

An NDC official at Aranaputa told the Chronicle that several reports were made to Annai and Lethem police stations and a letter was sent to the police commander, but nothing has been done to address the matter.

Residents reported that the rustlers have also stolen motorcycles from residents as recent as Saturday night. “It is not easy at all,” a resident said, as he called on the police to act on their reports.