The Buxton/Friendship shop where joint services ranks had been accused of mixing kerosene oil in rice is the very shop from which armed men opened fire on a patrol killing army Corporal Ivor Williams nearly two weeks ago, a Joint Services press release said yesterday.
The release also said that the joint services was made aware of the allegations but said no report was made on the incident, adding that it appears as though the allegations only surfaced when Opposition Leader Robert Corbin and others visited the community at the weekend.
The joint services statement said that the shop is also known for harbouring criminal elements and has been the target of several searches before.
However the release said it is prepared to accept and deal with any and all reports of misconduct on the part of its ranks as they execute Operation Restore Order and has called on members of communities not to allow themselves to be swayed away from their so far positive attitude.
In the release the servicemen also expressed appreciation for the support being given to the operation by the Buxton/Friendship and neighbouring communities and have re-emphasised their commitment to be professional in the conduct and execution of duties.
The release acknowledged however that the nature of the operation is such that some amount of collateral damage may be occasioned but noted that it was an aspect of the service’s standard operating procedure to repair damage done by its personnel.
Meanwhile between Saturday, February 2 and Sunday, February 3, ranks conducted searches in Brushe Dam, Buxton; Friendship North; Mon Repos and Bare Root on the East Coast of Demerara and a total of 15 houses were searched, the release stated.
Additionally during the search, the release said, ranks found it necessary to damage the floor of a house belonging to Gloria Thomas of 151 Friendship, ECD.
The damaged area is some 8 x 14 with two-inch thick concrete but since the sand was not well compacted it produced a hollow effect prompting ranks to dig it up.
The joint services have since effected repairs to the house’s flooring costing some $75,000.
