A 49-year-old mechanic died on Monday after being attacked by killer bees at Eccles, East Bank Demerara.
Dead is Sheik Emran Hassan of 238 Anida Street, Eccles. According to one of Hassan’s sons, his father was outside of his workshop when he was attacked by a swarm of bees and stung mostly in his face.
Sheik Emran Hassan
“He was on the floor with all the bees swarming him. I tried my best to come out and chase them off, but I was unsuccessful,” said his son Azaad. He said he was parking a vehicle while his father stood some six feet away when the bees attacked around 14: 30h. The bees, which are believed to be African bees, also claimed the life of a dog in the 45-minute attack.
It is believed that the bees were nesting in a nearby resident’s home unbeknownst to her. This is the first time the area has witnessed such a swarm, and many relatives and friends who gathered at the Hassan home could not get over the shocking incident.
“Everyone here sought help from the NDC; they went to the different police stations, the fire services. We called the Ministry of Agriculture; we called 911; we made all the calls possible,” another son Sheik Arshaad said. He said by the time he was notified of the incident his father’s body was already swollen, but still there was no assistance.
In a release, the Agriculture Ministry said that the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) received a report from a resident of the Lot 199 Anira Avenue at approximately 14: 00h stating that a resident was being attacked by a swarm of bees.
The GLDA immediately contacted Carl Persaud, a private bee keeper/exterminator who responded to the scene at 14:30h to investigate the report and take necessary action. When Guyana Times International visited on Monday evening, a small swarm of bees was gathered on the utility pole outside Hassan’s home. One resident, with a ladder, ascended the pole and sprayed the cluster with insect spray.
Hassan was described as “the quietest dude you’ll ever meet”. Arshaad, the eldest son, said his father was “the most friendly, humble person around. We never believe something like this could happen.” Hassan who was born and raised in Eccles has been the operator of Imran and Hassan General and Automotive Services from his home address since he was 18 years old. He leaves to mourn his wife and three children.
