COMMANDER of ‘F’ Division Courtney Ramsay has reported that this year so far the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has recorded 16 ‘disorderly’ murders from 31 murders in the mining areas.

The Senior Superintendent explained that for the corresponding period last year they had 42 murders with 18 being ‘disorderly’ murders in that divison.

He said that although they cannot control these occurrences, at the same time the statistics are being monitored since they have roving patrols in far-fetched areas in the hinterland.

DRINKING SPREE KILLINGS
Meanwhile, Crime Chief Leslie James told this publication that ‘disorderly’ murders seem to be a culture in the mining areas which is accompanied by loose behaviour during ‘drinking sprees’.

He disclosed that behaving loosely while under the influence is very common with miners and others who work in the hinterland and they feel such behaviour is the ‘order of the day’.

According to James, it is typical after imbibing for days at a time, an argument may start then before you know it there is a fight and then someone dies.

He explained that their style of drinking alcohol is not tempered since they can go on for days and nights at a time.

James added that even though the men work together they still act out when they drink and may bring up an old grievance or quarrel over a female.

The latest ‘disorderly’ murder happened on Tuesday last when 17-year-old Azad Potter of Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara, was killed at Konawaruk Backdam, Potaro.

Police reported that the miner was beaten by a group of colleagues who had accused him of stealing articles from their mining camp. He succumbed to his injuries.

Reports said Potter was working at a mining camp and it is alleged that while his colleagues were away he took a quantity of raw gold, among electronics and other items.

When the miners returned to camp and discovered their belongings gone they confronted Potter who was left alone to guard the camp.

He denied taking the items and during the heated argument he was severely beaten by the group of angry men after which he died from multiple injuries at the camp area.

Four persons were arrested and later charged with murder and remanded to prison.

(By Michel Outridge)