–Both listed as ‘critical’
DOCTORS at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) were up to late last night trying desperately to save the lives of two young men who were shot while walking along the Plaisance Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara. Jiovani Leitch, also known as “JoJo”, and his friend, whose only known name was given as “Chucky”, were shot several times as they headed to a barber shop.
Reports reaching the Guyana Chronicle are that the assailant whipped out a gun as he approached the men; and upon seeing the weapon, the duo ran, but the assailant was still able to discharge several rounds which hit the men.
Family members said they were informed that Leitch was shot in the chest, and they are at a loss as to what may have lead to the shooting.
The men were left at roadside for some time before they were picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital by public-spirited citizens.
A reliable source meanwhile explained to this publication that Jiovani was earlier involved in an argument with an unknown male character in the city, and it is believed that the very person or his agents may have trailed Leitch to Plaisance, where the shooting occurred.
The Guyana Chronicle was told that, while at the hospital, a man with dreadlocks pulled up in a motor car and enquired about the already injured Jiovani Leitch. The man, family members said, sat across the road in a restaurant opposite the entrance to the Accident and Emergency Unit of the GPHC and was later heard making several loud, derogatory remarks before being approached by family members, to who he loudly explained that he was there to see Jiovani, and that he was “sorry that he did not put the bullet more down in he and kill he”. The man then drove off in his vehicle, accompanied by two females.
An aunt of Leitch who was present at the hospital said that she was at her home in Tucville when she got the message that her nephew was shot. She explained that when she got down to the hospital she was unable to see him, as doctors had already rushed him into theatre. Family members were later informed that both of the men were in critical condition.
A friend of Leitch who spoke with this publication explained that the young man did not live in Plaisance but with some other family members in the city. He explained that Leitch would sometimes travel to the East Coast village to see other family members and friends. The friend explained that Leitch did several chores for persons, but focused mostly on masonry work.
Family members of the other injured man, whose only name was given as “Chucky”, were not willing to speak about the issue. The police are said to be investigating the matter.