Govt, opposition sympathise with relatives of those killed
The government and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) have expressed condolences to the relatives of those killed in the Middle Street, Georgetown shooting by a lone gunman.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds in a statement aired on the National Television Network said Tuesday was “especially a sad day in our nation’s recent history.” “Many of you may have heard by now four persons have been killed by one of our fellow citizens who began shooting at persons in the vicinity and at policemen who confronted him. He was eventually shot fatally by policemen.”
Several persons are currently being treated at the Georgetown Public Hospital.
According to Hinds even as the details of this tragedy are still unfolding, “on behalf of the government of Guyana, I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, neighbours and communities who mourn tonight, I mourn, your government mourns with you. We have seen, just this week, too many acts of violence, many within families. The quick resort to violence is something to be concerned about and not to be taken lightly or ignored by government or by us as citizens of this nation. Together we must strive to lower the level of frustration and anger within our society. We must remember what it means to be neighbourly, to be our brother’s keeper lending an ear and a shoulder to those in need, comforting and consoling each other. We have a duty to ourselves and to our nation to prevent violence in all its forms,” Hinds said.
He added that the Guyana Police Force deserves “our commendations for their valiant efforts to contain the shooting, and our condolences for the lives they lost. Our nation will always be indebted to the servicemen’s families for giving us their sons. I call on all of you, my fellow Guyanese, to keep the families and friends of those who mourn tonight in your thoughts and prayers.”
Meanwhile, APNU also in a statement said it strongly condemns the violence and calls on those responsible for public safety to take all necessary steps to put an end to the upsurge of violent crime that present a challenge to law and order in civil society.
“The partnership extends its sincere sympathy to the relatives and friends of all who lost their lives in the Middle Street killings and the brutal murder yesterday (Monday) in west Ruimveldt.
“APNU takes this opportunity to restate our position that the safety and security of citizens under the current leadership of the minister of home affairs is severely compromised.
“APNU remains committed to working with all the relevant government agencies to ensure that all Guyanese can enjoy a good life in safe and secure communities,” the coalition said in a statement.
According to the Guyana Police Force, the tragedy began unfolding just after 13: 30h with the alleged shooter, who was identified as a miner and licenced firearm holder, Deryck Kanhai apparently going berserk, shooting at least two persons including a female dispatcher, Vanessa Williams, who was on duty at the Crown Cabs Taxi Service.
As shots rang out, passersby took cover and police ranks raced to the scene.
Kanhai then retreated into his home above the taxi service. An initial attempt at storming the building was met by a barrage of gunfire.
Two wounded ranks, Lance Corporal Sherwin Pantlitz and Lance Corporal Michael Forde were rushed to the nearby Georgetown Public Hospital where they later succumbed. The businessman barricaded himself in the property. Police subsequently stormed the building and came under fire.
The ranks returned fire and he was fatally shot, bringing to an end an almost three-hour standoff.
The Guyana Police Force has also expressed sincere condolences to the relatives of the two police ranks and two civilians who lost their lives in the tragic encounter.
