The general manager of the dredge in the Barama River which was attacked by gunmen on Saturday, was shot three times a post-mortem (PM) examination conducted yesterday morning has revealed.
The examination has determined that 39-year-old Regerton Simon of Lot `P’ 73 Guyhoc Park died from shock and haemorrhage due to multiple gunshot wounds.
A relative told this newspaper that during the PM which was done at the Georgetown Hospital mortuary, three bullets were removed from the body. She could not say which parts.
Meanwhile police have not made any arrests even as they pursue a lead that a recent conflict between residents and those on the dredge may have been the motive for the attack.
Around noon on Saturday, Simon was on the dredge with Malvin Edwards, a 33-year-old welder and resident of East La Penitence and four Brazilian nationals including a pregnant woman when unknown persons unleashed a barrage of gunfire.
In the end Simon lay dead while Edwards who sustained gunshot injuries to the head, chest and arm was rendered unconscious.
The Brazilians managed to flee unhurt and sought help from those in a camp nearby. Edwards was subsequently air dashed to the city and is currently a patient at the Georgetown Hospital while Simon’s body remained on the dredge and was removed from the area two days later.
Simon, a father of two who had been working in the interior since the age of 16, will be laid to rest today.
Edwards in writing had recounted seeing a boat with two men armed with rifles inside, pass the dredge just after 10 that morning.
About two hours later, he was in the sleeping quarters when he heard gunshots. He was shot as he attempted to investigate.
His mother Donna Hinds told Stabroek News yesterday afternoon, that her son is in better health and is now able to eat. He however is still advised by the doctor not to speak. A CT scan done on Monday had ruled out the possibility of a surgery and Hinds said yesterday that the doctor had ordered a throat examination.
Since the incident relatives as well as the police have ruled out robbery as the motive for the attack as nothing was stolen from the vessel nor were any demands made during or after the attack.
Police later revealed in a press release that the production money and the equipment were intact. Crime Chief Seelall Persaud informed this newspaper on Tuesday that the conflict seemed to be the motive for the attack and that was the focus of the police’s investigations.
