‘Cobra’ linked to Plaisance attack

Aug 08, 2010 News

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– as second victim succumbs

By Latoya Giles

Police officials yesterday said that wanted bandit Tyrone “Cobra” Rowe is the suspected mastermind behind Thursday night’s bloodbath at Plaisance, East Coast Demerara that has now claimed two lives.
They believe that 24-year-old Sussex Street resident Anthony Taylor was a member of the gang and was accidentally slain by his own associates.
Troy Collymore, who was shot in the head, died in the Intensive Care Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) at around noon yesterday.
Also injured are Noel Phillips and Lloyd Harris, who are being treated at the GPHC and Woodlands Hospital respectively.
This newspaper was reliably informed that three gunmen, believed to include Taylor and Rowe, went to the drugstore which is owned by Chandrika Datt, to rob him.
It is believed that the gang sent someone to make a purchase to distract their victim.
“We believe that the person who went to buy was a distraction….because seconds later the armed men pounced” an official said.
According to the source, Collymore, who was in the drugstore, was shot after he stood in front of Datt, while one of the gunmen accidentally killed Taylor.
The bandits relieved Datt of an estimated $329,000 in jewellery and eight laptop computers.
They also escaped with $600,000 worth in jewellery and an undisclosed sum of cash from Noel Phillips.
Shots were fired indiscriminately by the bandits as they tried to make good their escape.
A woman who was in proximity to the drug store said she heard about 15 gunshots.
Police said that they recovered several .45 spent shells at the scene.
Police had recently issued a $1M reward for 19-year-old Rowe, who is wanted for questioning in relation to murder and armed robberies.
Taylor was incarcerated for two years for wounding, and was also detained last month when police searched his home for Rowe.
Meanwhile, a sister of Troy Collymore was detained yesterday after a heated exchange of words between the slain man’s relatives and hospital staff.
The altercation erupted after relatives learned that he had died and blamed the staffers for his demise.
A GPHC press release stated that Collymore suffered three gunshot wounds to the head, which did not exit thus resulting in him becoming brain dead.
According to the release, Collymore was experiencing severe respiratory distress and was placed on a ventilator.
It added that Collymore’s relatives were briefed by the doctor treating him. It was explained that due to the nature and extent of his injuries he had a very “slim chance” of survival.
During routine checks yesterday midday the doctors in the Intensive Care Unit, observed that Collymore had no heart rate. They were thus forced to take off the ventilator and certify him dead.
According to hospital sources, minutes after the ventilator was disconnected, Collymore’s relatives misinterpreted the doctors’ actions and started verbally harassing the hospital staff.
The hospital’s internal security was quickly called in, but efforts to restrain the dead man’s relatives proved futile.
The police were eventually summoned and a female who is said to be Collymore’s sister was taken into custody.
Up to press time the woman was still being detained at the East La Penitence Lock-ups.
The release further stated that the doctor who was obviously traumatised had to be escorted home.
The hospital management reiterated yesterday that the hospital employs very competent and professional staff.
The officials stressed that the GPHC would not tolerate the abuse of its staff, particularly when they are performing their duties.
Furthermore, the officials said they had noted a trend which has recently developed whereby when loved-ones die, relatives suddenly become physicians and determine what caused the death.
The hospital added that relatives refuse to heed the professional’s medical advice and are quick to blame the medical and nursing staff for causing the deaths, with unsubstantiated speculations.
Divisional Commander Gavin Primo had disclosed that Collymore was questioned about a murder which occurred on Middle Street a few years ago.
Efforts yesterday to contact relatives of Collymore proved futile.

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Prison Warder caught smuggling drugs into prison
A Prison Warder is to be charged with trafficking in narcotics, after he was caught trying to smuggle 12 grams of Marijuana, into the Camp Street Prison last Thursday evening.
This newspaper understands that, acting on information, the Prison Warder was searched by senior officers on Thursday evening and he was found in possession of the marijuana, a cell phone with sim-card and six packs of cigarettes, items that are illegal within the confines of the prison.
Subsequently, the Warder was placed in the custody of Alberttown Police Station with the seized items, awaiting charges.
According to sources, the Warder was supposed to deliver the items to an inmate within the Brick Prison the same Thursday night when he was held.

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Arya Samaj celebrates 100th anniversary

Under the theme “Vedic Philosophy for Humanity” the Arya Samaj celebrated a century of existence in Guyana, at the Central Vedic Mandir, yesterday.
The event was graced by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, business entrepreneur Yesu Persaud, and other foreign delegates and dignitaries.
Some of the discourses were focused on; the impact of Satyart Prakash (the light of truth), the greatest strength of Hinduism, healthy living through Yoga and Stress management and Vedic Perspective of women among topics.
In opening the programme for the two day celebration, Prime Minister Hinds said that Vedic philosophy can impart meaningful knowledge which is needed to assist with certain developmental aspects of society, since the world is one and all mankind is one.
Adding that religious differences may cause tension in a multicultural society, Hinds said that nobility in each religion can bring out the best in each individual.
The Prime Minister further added that the development and progress of humanity should not distract anyone from the spiritual path of enlightenment.
The bust of former President of Guyana, Dr Cheddi Bharrat Jagan is expected to be erected in a place of honour on the proposal of the Arya Samaj Movement of North and South America.
Pandit Ramlal of the Arya Samaj said that it was lamented that there are no statues of Dr. Jagan in Guyana, prompting the Samaj to donate the bust.
He added that other countries around the world have statues of their leaders, heroes and founders so that future generations can identify with the past.
Ramlal stressed that Dr. Jagan was a great leader who was honest and full of integrity; qualities which should be emulated by every Guyanese.

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