Guyana’s crime rate soars: 9 murders in 7 days

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.

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.

The next day saw Police Officers shooting to death a young man who had escaped from custody after injuring a rank. Eighteen-year-old Regan Richards, of One Mile Extension, Wismar, was arrested on Sunday and taken into custody at the Wisroc Police Outpost.

However, while there, he managed to overpower Police Constable Victor Fausette and took away his service revolver.

The teenager shot the Police rank above his left ear and escaped with the firearm. Ranks went to Richard’s home, where they came under fire from the teenager. The Police returned fire, hitting him to his body. He was taken to the Mackenzie Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Around 21:40h the same day, a group of men were under a shed at North Sophia, Georgetown, when a car drove up and a man armed with a firearm exited, discharging rounds in their direction. Colin Kendall called “Bow Foot” of North Sophia was hit about his body and subsequently pronounced dead on arrival at  the Georgetown Public Hospital. Another man identified as Keith Nedd was hit to his left side and was admitted to hospital where he was treated before being discharged. The gunman escaped in the waiting car.

Then on Monday, 18-year-old Keith Daniels was fatally stabbed during a robbery. It was reported that around 01:50h, the teenager was walking home with a relative when they were confronted by three men.

One of the men was armed with a sharp object, which he used to stab the teenager to his chest.

The three perpetrators escaped while the injured young man was rushed to the hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival.  On Tuesday, a 42-year-old woman was hacked to death by a man she shared a relationship with.

Reports revealed that the woman, Carol Shako of Yarrowkabra, Soesdyke/Linden Highway, had an argument with the man during which she was struck to her head and chopped to her neck with an axe. She was pronounced dead on arrival at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre. The suspect has been arrested.