Gunfire at massive Lodge fete leaves man dead

Dale Christopher
Dale Christopher

An early morning Republic Day party has left one man dead with three persons currently in custody as investigations continue into the event that was a clear breach of COVID-19 rules.

The Guyana Police Force in a press release yesterday stated that they are investigating the murder of 27-year-old Dale Christopher of Rosemary Lane, Cummingsburg. The incident occurred at Hill Street, Lodge, Georgetown.

According to the initial investigations, Christopher left his home around 01:15hrs in the company of a friend to attend a party. The police said that at around 06:00 hours while a popular DJ and Selector were performing, approximately two to three explosions were heard which were suspected to be gunshots.

This caused the approximately 500-strong crowd to scatter and disperse, the release added.

This was confirmed by a video recording which was seen by this newspaper that showed persons in the large crowd running as the gunshots were fired.

Further, the investigations revealed that a taxi driver who was driving along Mandela Avenue was stopped by three males who were carrying the deceased who was at the time bleeding from a wound to his abdomen.

He was then transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

As the investigations continue, the police reported that an examination of the body showed what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the centre of his abdomen.

Questions will be raised as to how this party was allowed considering it was in breach of the COVID curfew and limitation on gatherings. There have been frequent complaints that the police have turned a blind eye to these events.