
As the worrying crime rate continues to spiral, Guyana recorded an alarming nine murders in the space of seven days.
Over the period June 3 to June 8, the Police reported on several matters that resulted in persons being killed or injured during criminal activities, including both victims and perpetrators. During this period, some seven persons died. Six other persons lost their lives during the course of May 29 to June 2.
This week saw two persons being killed in separate robberies and one person injured; one man was fatally shot during an argument; a couple were murdered in their home; one man was executed and another was injured in the same incident, while a woman was chopped to death by her partner. Furthermore, another man was killed after he opened fire on a Police Officer, injuring him. In addition, two decomposed bodies were found.

Vasconcellos
An unidentified man was found floating in the Cozier Canal, Region Two. He died from drowning. Then, the decomposing body of 41-year-old Sasenarine Baljit, of Clifton Settlement, Port Mourant, Corentyne, was discovered on Friday at the Tain Backdam, Corentyne, with suspected shotgun injuries.
This comes two days after the village was plunged into shock, following the discovery of the bodies of Parbatie Vijrauren and Ramdat Persaud of Tain. The woman’s former common-law husband, 26-year-old Ian Boodhoo, was arrested and confessed to the double murder. He was subsequently charged and remanded to prison.
Promoter Manu Durant, 40, of Atlantic Ville, East Coast Demerara, was involved in an argument with another man at a popular night spot on North Road, Georgetown, during which he was shot to his chest. The incident occurred around 04:30h last Thursday. He was rushed to a private hospital, where he succumbed to the injuries a few hours later. His assailant was nabbed on Saturday at Eteringbang, Cuyuni River.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, a brazen daylight robbery attempt on popular businessman Neezam Khan resulted in him sustaining a gunshot injury along with one of his attackers being killed, while another was injured. Reports revealed that Khan, who is a licensed firearm holder, was at a snackette in Grove, East Bank Demerara, when four men on two on motorcycles approached him.
Robberies
One of the men was armed with a handgun and held up the businessman, relieving him of his jewellery. The businessman was shot to his left arm during the process; however, he managed to open fire on his attackers. One of them, Michael Grant, was hit to his chest and pronounced dead on arrival at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre.
Another perpetrator, Curtis Vasconcellos, shot to his neck and right hand. He has been admitted at the Georgetown Public Hospital under guard. Police are currently hunting for the two other assailants who fled the scene.

Victor Fausette