By Mark DaCosta- In a devastating incident that unfolded in Albouystown yesterday afternoon, gunfire erupted, leaving one man dead and two others injured. The event, which took place on James Street, has once again raised alarms about the safety of our communities and the persistent issue of gun violence.
The tragic shooting occurred shortly after 5 PM, when Kevon Ridley, also known as ‘Arthur’, was fatally shot. As details emerge, it is evident that the situation unfolded with terrifying speed when a masked assailant approached him on a black motorcycle and unleashed a barrage of bullets.
Local residents reported hearing what they described as 15 to 16 gunshots — a horrifying sound that has become all too familiar in recent times. One nearby individual recounted, “Yes, me hear nuff gunshots, about 15-16 shots fire. Four fire first, and me aint come out, I stay in me yard.”
The violence not only claimed Ridley’s life — an individual already wanted by law enforcement on charges of armed robbery — but also left two others critically injured. Kishi Thomas, Ridley’s friend, was shot in the back, while Cornel Gray, a local tradesman, suffered a gunshot wound to his shoulder.
Both are currently reported to be in stable condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Thomas recounted the harrowing moment when the shooting began, stating, “We both fell to the ground after the shots were fired… I later realised that I had been shot in my back.”
The swift response from law enforcement came later that evening, with police teams arriving at the scene to gather evidence and assess the situation. Spent cartridges and a warhead were collected, and the investigation remains active as authorities seek to track down the suspect, identified as Shane Bourne, who is known to have a history linked to gun-related offences.
Statistical data highlights a disturbing trend in firearm-related crime in our country. The latest figures from the Guyana Police Force indicate that while the overall murder rate has decreased from approximately 17.2 per 100,000 people in 2023 to 14.3 per 100,000 in 2024, gun violence remains a crucial concern. In 2023, there were 128 firearm seizures, which rose to 162 in 2024, marking the highest rate in a decade despite a reported 23 percent decline in robbery under arms.
The reality is stark: while overall crime may appear to be on the decline, the reality of firearm availability and usage paints a different picture. Pistol-related incidents, particularly those involving high-capacity weapons, remain prevalent, especially in urban areas.
Region 4 (Georgetown) has been identified as a hotspot for gun-related violence, accounting for a large proportion of fatalities linked to firearms. The Guyana Police Force has signalled a temporal risk, noting that the window between 6 PM and midnight illustrates peak times for such offences.
This latest incident comes amidst a backdrop of increased concern regarding the security situation in our communities, prompting critical reflection on law enforcement and government policy. The common narrative pushed by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) administration centres around the notion of decreasing crime rates, an assertion that seems patently at odds with the lived experiences of citizens, who face the very real threat of violence on their streets.
Moreover, this incident exposes the potential failings in local governance, with citizens left in a precarious state of vulnerability — feeling abandoned amidst rising crime and violence. The fact that Ridley was known to authorities for previous serious offences intensifies the conversation regarding how crime syndicates continue to operate with apparent impunity in our country, illustrating a breakdown of trust and efficacy within the systems that should protect us.
Residents are calling for greater police presence and community engagement to counteract this cycle of violence and fear. As one witness lamented, “I see my neighbour deh wuh working in the workshop get shoot and he lay down… They pick he up and put he in a car and carry he [to] hospital.” This highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive approach that not only responds to incidents of violence but also addresses the root causes that perpetuate crime cycles within our communities.
As investigations progress, the pressing question remains: how long can our nation tolerate such rampant violence and disregard for life? The tragic loss of Kevon Ridley, coupled with the injuries sustained by Thomas and Gray, serves as a stark reminder that the fight against gun-related crime in our country is far from over.
With calls for improved policing and community support growing louder, one can only hope that our leaders will acknowledge the severity of this public safety crisis and take concrete steps toward restoring peace and security in the lives of everyday citizens.
In the words of one analyst, “in light of this ongoing violence, the need for action from the government is paramount; the time for tough policies and community initiatives is now. Without decisive leadership and a firm commitment to eradicating the roots of crime, the cycle of fear and violence may only continue to worsen.”
