THE Government of Guyana is expressing condolences to the bereaved relatives of those who were killed yesterday during a shocking shooting incident in Middle Street, Georgetown involving law enforcement ranks and a lone gunman. Following the shootout which lasted close to three hours, five persons were left dead – two policemen, two civilians and the gunman who reportedly ‘tripped out’ and went berserk. 

“I extend my sympathy to the relatives, friends and colleagues of the police officers who died in the line of duty, and to the civilians. It is an incident that is greatly regretted in our country,” said Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who is currently performing the duties of President of Guyana in the absence of Mr Donald Ramotar who is overseas.
According to the Guyana Police Force, the tragedy began unfolding just after 13:30 hrs with the alleged shooter, who was identified as a miner and licenced firearm holder, Derrick Kanhai apparently going berserk, shooting at least two persons including a female dispatcher, Vanessa Williams who was on duty at the Crown Cabs Taxi Service which shared the bottom flat of a building just east of the Medicine Chest Pharmacy. As shots rang out, passersby took cover and police ranks raced to the scene. Kanhai then retreated into his home above the taxi service.
An initial attempt at storming the building was met by a barrage of gunfire. Two wounded ranks, Lance Corporal Sherwin Pantlitz and Lance Corporal Forde were rushed to the nearby Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where they later succumbed, a police press release stated.
“The businessman barricaded himself in the property. Police subsequently stormed the building and came under fire. The ranks returned fire and he was fatally shot bringing to an end an almost three-hour standoff. A shotgun, a .32 pistol and a .22 pistol were recovered by the police,” the release said.
The Guyana Police Force is also expressing sincere condolences to the relatives of the two police ranks and two civilians who lost their lives in the tragic encounter.

**** Following is the full text of the message to the nation last night by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds:

“My fellow Guyanese, I greet you at an especially sad day in our nation’s recent history. As many of you may have heard by now, 4 persons have been killed by one of our fellow citizens who began shooting at persons in the vicinity and at policemen who confronted him. He was eventually shot fatally by policemen.
Several persons are currently being treated at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Even as the details of this tragedy are still unfolding, on behalf of the Government of Guyana, I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, neighbours and communities who mourn tonight. I mourn; your Government mourns with you.

We have seen, just this week, too many acts of violence, many within families. The quick resort to violence is something to be concerned about and not to be taken lightly or ignored by Government or by us as citizens of this nation.

Together we must strive to lower the level of frustration and anger within our society.
We must remember what it means to be neighbourly, to be our brother’s keeper lending an ear and a shoulder to those in need, comforting and consoling each other.

We have a duty to ourselves and to our nation to prevent violence in all its forms.

Today we have suffered much.

Our Guyana Police Force deserves our commendations for their valiant efforts to contain the shooting, and our condolences for the lives they lost.

Our nation will always be indebted to the servicemen’s families for giving us their sons.

I call on all of you, my fellow Guyanese, to keep the families and friends of those who mourn tonight in your thoughts and prayers.

Good night.”