Guyanese businessman critical after shot by bandits in St Maarten

Guyanese businessman Mark Deygoo is in a serious condition in the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) after he was shot in the course of a robbery on Wednesday evening.

According to the Daily Herald, Deygoo, 34, owner of Back Street store Fragile Bundle Baby and Kids, was shot about five times – including in the head – after two armed robbers entered the store around 6.40 pm, just around closing time, and demanded money. The store sells clothing for young children.

The armed men reportedly were dressed in black apparel with their faces hidden from view. It was not clear whether they had succeeded in robbing the store, which is located opposite SS Simon and Jude Anglican Church at Back Street and Zoutsteeg, the newspaper said.

Eyewitnesses said the two bandits had left the store on foot and hurried along Zoutsteeg in the direction of Cannegieter Street, shielded by vehicles moving in the opposite direction.

A relative of the injured businessman told the Daily Herald late on Wednesday that doctors at SMMC considered Deygoo’s injuries too complicated and sensitive to operate on him and no decision apparently had been taken about whether to fly him overseas.

Relatives and friends of the businessman were at the hospital keeping vigil up to late Wednesday night.

Police have started their investigation.