JUST mere minutes into the New Year and a man was shot dead by a bandit during a robbery at gas station and mini mart at 45 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice.
The bandit invaded the Mars Gas Station, Variety Store, Snackette and Beer Garden and shot and killed customer Seon Craig. Wade Mc Donald, who had accompanied his friend, a fellow car washer, from 57 Stanleytown , recalled  going to the shop where, after consuming some alcoholic beverages ,he was about to pay for the drinks, when he heard’ “Nobody move “.
“I saw a gunman, whose hat was pulled in his face, holding a gun, pointing it in my direction. I took evasive action as the gun was fired, and the bullet grazed my right side face,” McDonald told the Guyana Chronicle.
McDonald said that then he saw Craig lying on the ground, bleeding profusely.
Prior to the shooting, the bandit had relieved proprietrix Joan Mars of $500,000.

The Guyana Chronicle was told that not many persons were in the business place and the owners had decided to retire early. As they were closing up, after stashing the day’s takings in a bag, the gunman entered and ordered them to lie on the floor.

They complied. At the same time Mc Donald entered the premises and he was gun butted by the robber.
Craig came in at the same time and the robber fired a shot in his direction.
The bandit then snatched the bag containing the money and escaped through the side street.
Craig was picked up and rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Mc Donald was treated and received a few stitches and sent away.
Craig is survived by two brothers.  His father lives on the West Coast Berbice, and his mother resides in England.