Latest update November 22nd, 2024 1:00 AM
Latest News
- Exxon wants new oil block on own terms
- Indian companies eye Guyana’s oil
- ICC issues arrest warrant for Israeli PM Netanyahu for ‘war crimes’ in Gaza
- Developing countries should not be curtailed in exploiting natural resources- PM Modi tells Parliament
- Jagdeo was sold expired soft drink at Marriott Hotel
Shooter in Green Ice Taxi Service Robbery…Another case of Police Victimization?
Last June, Jamal Lewis, was shot in the head during a daylight robbery at the Green Ice taxi service base at South Ruimveldt. A man by the name of Sean Blyden has since been charged in connection with the crime.
Robbery Accused, Sean Blyden
According to Blyden’s relatives, he is innocent. Moreover, based on their evidence they believe it is a clear case of police victimization. They have secured footage from security cameras attached to the taxi base which reportedly shows a different individual shooting the 15 year old Jamal.
Blyden was arrested two weeks ago on Monday June 23, 2016. According to the relatives the arresting officers informed the young man that he was being arrested since they believe his motorbike was involved in a robbery. However, based on reports, the men who were involved in the robbery had escaped in a silver Spacio car.
Blyden’s relatives reported that he was asked whether somebody else used his motorbike and he responded in the affirmative. However, even with this information it is alleged that the officers showed no interest in the other individual. The man’s relatives believe that there is a conspiracy afoot to victimize Blyden.
After being arrested, he was taken to the Diamond Police Station and was denied visitors. Further, additional details were reportedly withheld regarding the nature of the offence.
Based on these developments, the relatives said that the following day they approached Commander of ‘A’ Division Clifton Hicken who informed them that Blyden was held for the robbery at the GI taxi service where a teen was shot in his eye.
According to a cousin of Blyden, they were told that Blyden was to undergo an identification parade. However after making checks with the Brickdam and Ruimveldt police stations, no such parade was being conducted.
They then returned to the Diamond station where they heard Blyden calling for one of his cousins. She said that after perusing the compound Blyden came out of a room reportedly looking dazed. When asked what transpired he was unable to respond.
His relatives decided to stick around a bit more and later saw four young men running out of the Diamond station. According to one relative, one of the young men informed the family that they were asked to stand in an ID Parade but already knew they would not have been pointed out. It appeared to the family that the parade was set up to appear legitimate.
When the family approached the taxi service they were told by a number of employees that Blyden was not the man involved in the matter. According to the relatives, Blyden works in the East Ruimveldt Market at a mechanic shop and would frequent the taxi service to deliver money and stocks. He is apparently well known by the employees at the base.
The family believes that a key police officer involved in the investigation is spitefully targeting Blyden due to his friendship with the infamous Shaka Chase. They told this publication that they have heard the officer saying that he was a member of Shaka Chase’s ‘gang’ and will not let him go.
In 2013 Shaka Chase was freed of a murder charge for the death of policeman Romain Cleto.
Blyden’s relatives said that they were able to track down the real shooter in the incident. They said that the man is related to the key investigator and that is the reason why he is being ignored.
However, they managed to lead police to the man and he was arrested. He too was taken to the Diamond Police Station. Apparently the young man who was shot identified the man as the person who shot him but since the case has gone so far, Blyden would still have to undergo trial until his lawyer is able to introduce the new evidence in court.
According to relatives, due to their interest in the matter they have received threats that they will be locked up if they don’t stay away from the matter, but they are adamant that their cousin is not guilty of the offence and will continue in their quest to prove Blyden’s innocence.
Picture saved in Thursday as: Sean
Caption: Robbery Accused, Sean Blyden
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
A false panacea for electoral integrity
…Peeping Tom kaieteur News – Advocates for fingerprint verification in Guyana’s elections herald it as... more
Rising Gun Crimes in the Caribbean: Urgent Action required by all
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News – There is an alarming surge in gun-related violence, particularly among younger... more
Weekend Cartoon
