RESIDENTS from a community in Claxton Bay, where the man whom Venezuelan authorities claim was involved with a group linked to an alleged plot to destabilise the Venezuelan government is believed to live, hold onto hope that he is safe.

The man identified as Guis Kendell Jerome is known to his neighbours in Sum Sum Hill as Kendell Gibbs, whose family resided in the neighbourhood for decades.

When the Express visited the community of Sum Sum Hill, residents said they know he is a fisherman and earned his living at Othaheite Bay for many years, as residents often made purchases from him.