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E’bo shop owner brutally slain
The Cinderella County was anything less than a fairytale story on Wednesday night with the brutal slaying of 63-year-old businessman John Paul.
Paul was shot dead during a scuffle with bandits who pretended to be customers of his shop at Karia Karia, in the Essequibo River, about 18 miles from Buck Hall.
According to reports reaching this newspaper, Paul and his reputed wife, Sahodra Persaud , operate a snackette and sell fuel to boat owners in the area.
Kaieteur News understands that Paul had closed his business at around 16:30 hours on Wednesday and was about to retire to bed around 20:30 hours when he was aroused by persons calling to purchase fuel.
Initially the businessman refused to respond, but when the calls persisted, he decided to venture out of his home.
He was immediately confronted by three men, one of whom was armed with a handgun, and a scuffle ensued.
According to a source, Paul’s reputed wife upon seeing what was taking place, decided to run away to get help, but the nearest neighbours are said to be close to a mile away.
However, while running away she heard the sound of a gunshot and sensing that Paul might be in more trouble than expected, she turned back.
She was immediately confronted by one of the men who ordered her to lie face down on the ground.
The other robbers proceeded to ransack the premises. They managed to grab $195,000 in cash and a Stihl chainsaw before escaping in a boat.
John Paul was taken to the Suddie Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Police subsequently visited the scene, and reportedly did not recover any spent shell .
Investigations are continuing.
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Help and Shelter gets overseas assistance
Pandit Suresh Sugrim hands over a cheque to Denise Dias, in the presence of other Help and Shelter officials.
In order to further boost its efforts to address the problem of domestic violence locally, Help and Shelter was yesterday in receipt of a cheque valued at $110,000 to engage a campaign to sensitise target groups about the social problem. The endowment, which came compliments of the New Jersey Arya Samaj Mission, was handed over by Pandit Suresh Sugrim.
According to Pandit Sugrim, it has been observed that the problem of domestic violence has become very rampant in Guyana and there is an urgent need for additional support to arrest its prevalence.
“Every day that I read the newspaper and see another woman raped; another woman killed by her live-in boyfriend or husband…it is one of the most disgusting situations…”
Recognising this state of affairs, Sugrim said that he is expecting that Help and Shelter could be one of the key entities that can help to lobby for tougher laws even as they work towards further empowering women. And once there is progress in the added sensitisation drive, Sugrim revealed that further funding is likely to be forthcoming.
“Our funding comes from the benevolence of Guyanese Americans and from other communities across the United States.”
Sugrim disclosed that Help and Shelter was chosen to receive the assistance as it is one of the local entities that has been passionately addressing the issue of domestic violence over the years. “I have done some research and they have been addressing this burning issue…so we are willing to support them to deal with this problem.”
In accepting the donation yesterday, Chairperson of Help and Shelter, Denise Dias, expressed heartfelt gratitude even as she emphasised that “this is much needed funds.” According to Dias, domestic violence has reached alarming proportions and it has become more prevalent over recent months.
“We do need to assist and offer more guidance. We do get funding for the Shelter from Government but we are always in need of more to help stop the scourge of domestic violence in our country.”
She is optimistic that other concerned individuals and organisations will emulate this kind move in the near future.
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