Dartmouth erupts as police kill businessman

A 29-year-old businessman was shot dead in his home by the police during an anti-crime operation in Essequibo.

Dead is Orin Boston – a father of two of Dartmouth, Essequibo. His death has sparked a fiery protest in his village.

The Guyana Police Force, in a statement, said ranks were conducting an anti-crime operation in the Police Regional Division 2 at around 4:40hrs on Wednesday September 15, 2021 when they went to the Boston’s Dartmouth home to conduct a search.

According to the police, during the search, there was a confrontation between Boston and the police resulting in him being shot to his upper left arm. Orin Boston was rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital where he was pronounced DOA.

“Commissioner of Police (ag.) Mr. Nigel Hoppie, DSM, has instructed that ranks from the Police Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) commence, immediately, a thorough investigation into this matter,” the Force stated.

In protest, residents of the community started burning tyres and other debris on the main roadway at Dartmouth, thereby blocking the road and obstructing the free flow of traffic, the police said.

“Even as police ranks on the ground are making strenuous efforts to clear the roadway and maintain control of the situation, the Guyana Police Force is calling on citizens to desist from this unlawful activity and allow for due process to take its course with the ongoing investigations,” it said.