…businessman alleges, hands over tape to cops
By Leroy Smith
THE Guyana Defence Force Lance Corporal who, along with others, was nabbed in a car on Friday with a high-powered gun was allegedly on a plot to kill a city businessman, investigators have gathered so far.
A surveillance tape is being viewed as the allegation is being investigated.
Guyana Chronicle was told that police are investigating the matter, where a group of men, over the weekend, showed up at the home of a city businessman to carry out a hit on him, but the hit did not occur as the man was not at home at the time.
The Guyana Chronicle was reliably informed that the man, who operates a business below his living quarters in Georgetown, is also aware of the moves to have him executed, and that information has been passed on to the police.
Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, the businessman, who requested anonymity in an effort to allow the police to do their work, said he observed from his surveillance footage that about six men had been circling his home and place of business, and had even attempted to gain entry to his yard. The men showed up at the premises on foot, bicycles and motorcycles to carry out their act, based on the footage, which was also seen by this publication and which has since been passed over to the police.
When this publication made checks on the man’s past and his activities, it was revealed that he had recently made a report to the police about a man who owes him money, while another man with whom he had done business had proved to be not genuine in his dealings, and the businessman had cause to mention the two incidents to the police.
One or both men reportedly decided that the businessman was becoming a bother to them, and as such took a decision to place a hit on him.
Meanwhile, on Monday, the businessman was very high in praise of the police, who paid a visit to his home to retrieve the footage and also have him give a detailed report on the alleged incident.
Guyana Defence Lance Corporal Aaron Eastman and three other men, who were moving around in a car that is reportedly owned by the businessman, were arrested on Saturday. During that operation, the police managed to recover a sawn-off shotgun and a revolver with matching ammunition. At time of the arrest, the soldier was illegally absent from work, having abandoned his post, and was driving around with suspicious characters.
The GDF rank was, also at the time, wearing an overcoat over his uniform, and was driving the car with a shotgun under the seat. The other weapon was found under the other front passenger seat.
Chief-of Staff of the GDF had indicated to this publication that the incident was very embarrassing to the army, and brings shame to the GDF and all others serving in law enforcement. Brigadier Mark Phillips has since assured that the rank will be treated like any other suspect, and there will be no preferential treatment meted out to the rank during the investigation.
LCP, 20690 Eastman was enlisted in the GPF on April 10, 2006.
Meanwhile, the police have been able to link at least one of the suspects in the car at the time to the AH&L Kissoon robbery which took place on Friday. The police conducted an identification parade on Monday, and the man was positively identified.
