By Mark DaCosta- In the wake of an alarming shooting incident outside the residence of Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, a former senior officer of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), who asked not to be named, has raised significant concerns regarding the circumstances surrounding the event. The officer, who spoke with this publication, contends that the varied accounts provided by both media outlets and the GPF are often inconsistent and lack clarity. He calls on the police force to address these pressing issues comprehensively.
The incident in question occurred around 20:10 hours on a Saturday night (June 21), just outside Minister Edghill’s home in South Ruimveldt, Georgetown. An unidentified man allegedly fired 19 rounds from a handgun while driving a black Mercedes-Benz vehicle. This unsettling event unfolded shortly after a nearby social gathering hosted by a businessman, who had invited several students celebrating their recent completion of CSEC Examinations, including his 16-year-old son.
Eyewitness accounts paint a picture of a young female student, only 15 years old, embracing the male suspect beside the parked vehicle prior to the shooting. Shortly thereafter, the male suspect entered the car and sped away, discharging rounds as he drove off.
An initial investigation by the police revealed 19 spent 9mm cartridge casings at the scene, yet the registration number of the vehicle went unrecorded. Strikingly, when questioned, the young female student declined to disclose the identity of the suspect, raising more eyebrows regarding the events of that evening. While police have increased efforts to locate both the suspect and the car, the response to this incident remains opaque. Perhaps most unsettling is the fact that reports have suggested no one was hurt during the ordeal, yet the implications of such reckless gunfire outside a public official’s home resonate deeply.
The retired officer has drawn attention to several critical questions that must be answered. For instance, was there no security surveillance at the Minister’s residence? If cameras were present, did they capture evidence regarding the shooting? If they did not, why was this the case? It is conventional for police sentries to be stationed at the homes of ministers as a safety measure.
Were any sentries on duty that night? If so, were they not on alert given the presence of a nearby gathering? The retired officer highlights the need for sentries to document any unusual occurrences or potential threats, such as a crowd assembling outside a minister’s home. Were these protocols disregarded? The absence of information raises serious concerns about safety and preparedness in what should be an adequately protected environment.
Minister Edghill’s brief Facebook post, expressing gratitude for the safety of his family, suggests a perceived threat from the incident. However, he has not elaborated further on these feelings, leaving the public to speculate on the true nature of the event. The retired officer posits that Guyanese citizens deserve transparency and clarity on this matter, particularly since Edghill is a government official whose safety is of concern to all.
Moreover, the unanswered questions surrounding the recent arson attack on a church property owned by Minister Edghill add another layer of complexity to the situation. Following the incident on June 1, when a suspected arsonist was seen igniting a fire within the church building, the lack of follow-up information from the GPF has only deepened public dissatisfaction. Why has the police force remained silent on the investigations of these serious matters? What progress has been made regarding the suspect in the arson case?
The retired officer emphasises that any threat directed at a government official deserves the attention and concern of the entire nation, transcending individual political affiliations. Guyanese citizens are entitled to understanding what is happening within our society, particularly in relation to safety and security.
The recent shooting incident outside Minister Edghill’s home is far from trivial. Whether it reflects a breakdown in security protocols, a lack of effective communication from the GPF, or deeper issues surrounding safety in our homeland, the Guyanese people deserve answers. Clear and candid communication from the GPF is essential not only to uphold public trust but also to ensure the safety of all citizens. It is imperative that the police force rises to the occasion and reassures the community that they are both aware of and addressing the growing concerns regarding safety and security within our nation.
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