Joseph McAulay
Guyanese Joseph McAulay was gunned down in a drive-by shooting in French Guiana early yesterday morning minutes after exiting a nightclub where he was reportedly mixed up in a brawl.
Unconfirmed reports from French Guiana stated that gunman was known to McAulay and that he has local ties. McAulay, 29, hails from Victoria, East Coast Demerara but had been living in French Guiana for some six years working as a painter.
McAulay’s relatives said he died innocently and recounted yesterday how he was merely making peace in the nightclub after the fight broke out.
But the dead man’s mother, Jocelyn Daley frankly stated that she does not have all the facts and that the details surrounding what happened in the nightclub vary, since one report said that her son might have been embroiled in the brawl.
“I don’t know what to say other that I know my son and believe that he was making peace,” Daley told Stabroek News while shaking her head. She last spoke with her son on Tuesday and during that conversation he had asked her to pray for him. According to her, she had said a prayer then and early yesterday morning before she learnt what had happened to him.
It was some time after 5 am (6 am local time) when McAulay also known as ‘Obrien’ had exited the nightclub and was making his way home on a motorcycle in the company of a friend. A car subsequently pulled up alongside the two men and a man leaned out and shot McAulay in the chest. The car then sped off.
McAulay was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance immediately after he was shot.
According to reports, he suffered massive internal injuries and died while receiving treatment. His mother received a call just after 1 pm informing her of his death.
“I went numb when this call came and struggled to keep it together. I knew he was hurt because someone called earlier but I couldn’t believe it,” Daley recounted.
One of McAulay’s friends in Guyana telephoned his mother shortly after he had been shot.
She later spoke with his foster father who also resides in French Guiana and remained in contact until news of his death reached her.
Six years ago McAulay left for French Guiana seeking a better life, leaving his mother and two younger brothers behind.
He never returned to Guyana but had invited his mother over and two years ago she went to see him. It was an emotional reunion, according to Daley, who recounted that she had asked her son to return home but he declined.
The woman said she did not like the place and that she had articulated as much to McAulay. However, be brushed it aside and though he had promised to visit Guyana after she returned home he never did.
She said McAulay loved French Guiana and that his heart must have been with the country for him not to return home.
Daley plans to travel to French Guiana and bury her eldest son since she believes the cost of bringing his body home would be a financial strain. She said that his two younger brothers might likely make the trip with her.
McAulay’s death was on the lips of many in Victoria, and those who knew him personally spoke of how he would reach out to others. One friend said that McAulay remained too long in French Guiana, adding that they had never expected him to take up permanent residence over there.
Three weeks ago another Guyanese, Troy James, was shot and killed in French Guiana reportedly by a sibling following a disagreement.
“Sigh” what else is there to say?
Hey, guess what? its a new day and little has change for the better. Surely we can outline a number of people who are drifting this country to the dust of death, and even further. At the same time they are somethings we as individuals, citizens and even well wishers of this ‘dear land of Guyana’ could of done yesterday that could of lift Guyana’s chances for the better. It really starts with us, if you really look at it. And if you are started to look at the government, they too had started with us.
Which Guyana are you reffering to? Better wake up ,drink some more coffee, and read the story again.
I am very sorry,but I cannot help the feeling that his attackers might be his fellow countrymen….my sympathies to his family,how many more?
Very sad to know that he tried to prevent a fight, and after suffered the worst or probably mistaken identity…
My condolences to the family.
Wow, another killing, my condolences goes out to the family in your time of grief and mourning, hope the creator gives you the strenght to carry on. I noticed alot of guyanese are getting killed in french guiana, i don’t want to speculate why he was killed from the report he had a problem with someone in a club, and while on his way home he was shot, i hope his death is properly investigated and the fact revealed.
Too much Guyanese are been killed in other Island and other neighbouring countries. Are Guyanese not humans? why we are not accepted and appreciated for who we are as individuals like other nations?. It’s about time somebody do something about nonsense and hatred that are being facing us Guyanese… concerned citizen “Michael Arthur”
in guyana they can be a bully, but the other countries will not tolerate that attitude, simple as that.
charity begins at home,look at the way we treat our own .when individuals can brazenly execute innocent children that tells it all.
i thought was only guyana have crime. condolence to the family.
We Guyanese just love to partee, if he was in his home, today he would be alive.
Condolences to the surviving family members.
Another senseless killing.
Ban de guns and blast the drugs.
“Keep it “LIT”
Hello, Do you think, that it is a coincidence, that where ever Guyanese are , they are either Victims or perpetrators of crime? …the fault lies with us dear Brothers” the Fault lies with us”…. ” The Lost Generation” …..the products of the “hate your neighbor Generation”….
Try some of these…. Love thy neighbour as thyself.
Do good to them that persecute you for righteousness sake.
Do not covet thy neighbours goods…. and most important…….. Have Non other Gods But me…. .. Not Burnham, not Jagan , not Corbin,.. but ME, …. remember those Words?….
Well said!!
Oh my God! am so sorry. Joycelyn be strong may god be with u. May his soul rest in peace