By Mark DaCosta- 44-year-old gold miner, James Thomas, known as “Wormie,” is currently battling second-degree burns at the Georgetown Public Hospital following a horrifying incident that occurred on Monday at Imbaimadai Landing, Upper Mazaruni River, Region Seven. The incident is reportedly being treated as attempted murder by the police.
According to police reports, Thomas and a 53-year-old miner, both residents of Imbaimadai Landing, were consuming High Wine together when a disagreement over the alcohol escalated into violence. High Wine, a potent inexpensive, and highly flammable alcoholic beverage is widely consumed in Guyana, especially in remote areas.
The incident unfolded when Thomas allegedly took possession of the suspect’s quarter bottle of High Wine. Despite repeated demands from the suspect to return the bottle, Thomas reportedly refused, igniting a heated argument between the two. In a fit of rage, the suspect grabbed the bottle, doused Thomas with the alcohol, and then set him ablaze. The flames quickly engulfed Thomas, leaving him with severe burns across his body.
Following the attack, Thomas was initially rushed to the Imbaimadai Health Post, a small medical facility serving the local community. However, due to the severity of his injuries, he was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital for specialised treatment. Medical reports indicate that Thomas sustained second-degree burns, a serious injury that affects both the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and the underlying layer (dermis). These types of burns are painful and can lead to complications such as infection and scarring if not properly treated.
The suspect was arrested shortly after the incident and is currently in police custody as investigations continue. The attack occurred in the close-knit community of Imbaimadai, a remote village known primarily for its gold mining activities. Located deep in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni region, Imbaimadai is accessible mainly by boat or aircraft, making it a challenging area for law enforcement and emergency services to operate.
The use of High Wine in this incident highlights a broader issue within our nation’s interior regions, where the consumption of high-proof alcohol is often linked to violence and accidents. High Wine, with an alcohol content of around 69 percent is much stronger than most other spirits and is frequently consumed in mining areas due to its affordability and availability. However, its potency also makes it particularly dangerous, especially when consumed in large quantities or during conflicts.
The police investigation remains ongoing, and it is expected that charges will be filed against the suspect as the case progresses.
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