Witness in recent seawall killings a “no-show” for police statement – GPF

DPI, GUYANA, Thursday, March 29, 2018

Commissioner of Police (Ag), David Ramnarine this afternoon said that witness, Devon Lyte, who alleged that he had seen police kill three suspected bandits on March 15, 2018, was a “no-show” for the police to take his statement.

Lyte came forward days after refuting claims by the police that the men were slain during a shootout.  Police had stated that the shootout was as a result of increased surveillance into the recent robberies that were committed against commercial bank customers.

Ramnarine told journalists today that it is a requirement by law that all unnatural deaths including fatal shooting be investigated and be sent for legal advice. “That investigation is moving apace with much diligence. Unfortunately, we seem to be on the backfoot, because Devon is a no show”.

He said that a copy of the statement, which Lyte had issued earlier, was submitted to the Crime Chief, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Paul Williams in the presence of his Attorney Nigel Hughes at the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters, Eve Leary, Monday afternoon (March 19, 2018).

According to Commissioner (ag) Ramnarine, the Police have three statements which show that Lyte was “never, ever” on the roof of the building as he claimed to have been when the shooting happened.

Ramnarine said that Crime Chief Williams requested to conduct an interview with Lyte, who agreed to return the following day but did not show up. He was given a 24 hour ‘grace period’, but still has not turned up for the interview.

His attorney, Nigel Hughes has related to the officials that the proclaimed eyewitness should have protection, as Lyte is concerned about his safety. However, the Top Cop pointed to the fact that he (Lyte) had no issue with safety when he appeared on television.

“It is painful that you can have someone turn up at your office, give what purports to be a story that has national implications that impugns the good work and reputation of a national institution and its officials. Rushes to publicise all over the world and then, after the fact, you turn up at a location to find that it cannot be substantiated,” Ramnarine said.

On Thursday, March 15, 2018, three men; Dextroy Cordis, Kwame Assanah, and Errol Adams were shot dead during a confrontation with police at the Georgetown seawall in the vicinity of the Guyana National Service (GNS) ground. Lyte claims that he was working on the roof of the Guyana Softball Association on Carifesta Avenue with two other workers, on the day the suspected bandits were shot dead.

Commissioner (ag) Ramnarine is urging all individuals who may have seen what happened at the seawall to come forward.

 

By: Zanneel Williams