01/05/2025
Teen in Critical Condition After Being Shot in Back
Kaieteur News Reports. A 19-year-old man from Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo, is in critical condition after being shot in the back last Friday at the Tuschen Housing Scheme. The teenager, identified as Garvelle Hyman, is currently receiving treatment at the West Demerara Regional Hospital for severe injuries, including two broken ribs, a punctured lung, and internal bleeding. The bullet remains lodged in his back, and doctors have determined he is not stable enough for surgery.
In an interview with Kaieteur News, Garvelleโs familyโhis siblings Abiola and Dexter Hyman, and sister-in-law Collette Hymanโshared details of the shooting and expressed frustration over the slow pace of the police investigation.
โGarvelle is in a critical state. The bullet is still lodged in his back, and he cannot undergo surgery because he is not stable,โ the family said. They criticized the lack of a proper investigation since the day of the incident.
On Tuesday, Assistant Commissioner and Commander of Region Three, Mahendra Siwnarine, confirmed the shooting and stated that the suspect is currently in hiding. โWhile the suspect is known, he is evading capture. I spoke to both parents yesterday and informed them of the situation. We are currently tied down but will coordinate with CID to look into the case,โ he said.
When asked if a wanted bulletin had been issued for the suspect, Siwnarine replied, โNot as yet.โ
Dexter Hyman, who was present during the shooting, recounted the events: โI had just come out on the road to get something to eat. My brother and I were talking about me going into the interior to work when he told me the suspect had violated him.โ Dexter described how Garvelle threw his bicycle at the suspect upon noticing him brandishing a firearm. After the altercation, a gunshot rang out, hitting Garvelle in the left side of his back.
โGarvelle ran into the scheme with the suspect following him. The suspect fired two shots in the air while Garvelle sought a hiding place. He eventually lost consciousness and was taken to the hospital by a taxi,โ Abiola explained.
The family alleges that the suspect has a criminal history, including a previous incident involving an unlicensed firearm. Collette added, โHe was involved in a shooting with an unlicensed firearm in 2023.โ
Garvelle was initially treated at Leonora Hospital before being transferred to West Demerara Regional Hospital. โThey said he is not stable for surgery. He needs to be able to move around first before they can operate. The bullet needs to come out for him to fully recover,โ his sister said.
Garvelleโs condition has deteriorated, with broken ribs, a punctured lung, and internal bleeding necessitating a chest tube to drain blood. On Tuesday morning, he was reportedly vomiting blood, and doctors indicated that his lung had collapsed.
After the incident, Dexter filed a report at the Leonora Police Station, but attempts to collect a statement from Garvelle were repeatedly postponed. Collette recounted that the officer initially said she would come to the hospital to take a statement but later canceled due to a protest in Tuschen.
The family expressed their frustration after an officer at the station suggested they help locate the suspect themselves. โI became upset and cried. My husband said thatโs not our job,โ Collette said. Despite showing the police a picture of the suspect, no action was taken.
โUp to Monday, I saw one of the men who was there when the shooting happened, but the police keep saying theyโre looking for him,โ Collette added.
On their recent visit to the station seeking updates, the family encountered further delays and lack of information. โIt was a whole run-around with the police. They are dragging their feet on the matter,โ Abiola stated.
The emotional family is pleading for justice. โMy brother tells me everything. To know he is in this situationโitโs not easy. I cry every day. I want justice for my brother. I want the police to find this boy and investigate everyone involved,โ they urged. The family continues to call on the Guyana Police Force for urgent action and justice for Garvelle, who remains hospitalized in critical condition.
