DOCTORS at the Mabaruma Hospital in the North West District were up to late last night working to save the life of a Venezuelan, whose face was partially blown off in a gun attack off the Waini Coast around midday on Thursday.

The victim’s name has been given as 31-year-old Eunevier Jose.

While the man’s colleagues are maintaining that he is a fisherman, reports say otherwise–that he may be involved in the illegal fuel trade.

Reports from Mabaruma are that the man sells fuel to a businessman at Kumaka, the sub-region’s business hub.

In recent months, there has been a heavy influx of Venezuelans venturing across the border into the North West, and while many have been trading various commodities between the two areas, some have taken up residence in the region.