TEN years after setting on fire a fellow soldier at Camp Jaguar, Former Private 20084 Cleyon Siaka Douglas, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm, with intent to main, disfigure, or disable Welton Hazel.

In another indictment, which stipulated on June 25, 2005 he caused grievous bodily harm to Welton Hazel, with intent to murder him, Justice Franklyn Holder last week ordered the mixed jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty in his favour.
Douglas, aged 29 years, of Apartment 18 Cocorite Street, East La Penitence, had appeared at the Berbice Assizes two weeks before, and expected to be sentenced on Thursday last, following a probation report and a plea in mitigation.
However, the victim Welton Hazel reported that he was aged 21 years old, and was a private in the Guyana Defence Force, based at Camp Jaguar, New River, Corentyne.
Since the 2005 incident, he has moved on with his life, and is now a divorced father of three. In addition of attaining the rank of a Lance Corporal, Hazel noted a lot of time has lapsed and, he has the scars to live with.
However, he has grown to forgive Mr Douglas, and now feels sorry for him.
According to him, there was a misunderstanding earlier that day, and he now wishes to plead for clemency on behalf of his attacker.
Meanwhile, Senior Probation Officer Ms Egla October, noted that Douglas, described by others as a quiet natured person, has since expressed remorse for his action.
It seems that the haunting and loneliness of the location caused him to’ flip’, since violence of any form is not of his disposition, she concluded. The victim, Mr Hazel, with tears in his eyes is now pleading for Douglas’ release.
Meanwhile, following the incident at the army base at the Corentyne river, it was reported that Douglas and the virtual complainant, were members of the Guyana Defence Force.
Hours before the incident, Douglas had made allegations of an inappropriate misconduct, coupled with a physical assault.
As a result, he went to the fuel bay where he accessed the flammable substance which was poured on the sleeping rank.
Consequently, Hazel was awaken after smelling gasoline and experiencing a burning sensation to his skin.
The injured private was airlifted to the then Ogle airstrip, before being transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he was admitted a patient.
However, Douglas had fled the camp but returned hours later, and was subsequently detained by investigators.
It must be noted that the compartments destroyed were the signal centre, the Officers quarters , the mess Hall, and the fuel bond, along with 10 AK-47 rifles, 1m70 rifle , and 2 general purpose machine guns, which were all housed in a one flat edifice.

By Jeune Bailey Vankeric