Still no leads in killing of Pigeon Island watchman
More than one week after Vickram James, who was discovered with his throat slit at Pigeon Island, Corentyne River, succumbed to his injuries, the police are yet to pick up a lead that could result in the arrest of a suspect.
Contacted for a comment on Saturday, Commander of ‘B’ Division Ian Amsterdam told Stabroek News that as the investigation continues the police have since questioned several individuals including the person who made the discovery and was going to relieve James along with the captain of the boat that was transporting him to the area.
“Without eyewitnesses, it is turning out to be difficult so we will have to now look for circumstantial evidence,” Amsterdam said, while explaining that at the time the incident occurred James was the only person in the area.
He said the police plan to return to the area soon in an effort to gather any other information and evidence if possible.
James called “Sham” of Lot 102 Alexander Street, Rampur Village, Corentyne, Berbice died at the Georgetown Public Hospital last Friday, two days after he was discovered with his throat slit.
Reports reaching this newspaper had indicated that James had been employed recently with a sawmill owner identified as Vishawn Persaud Baichan aka “Francis” and had been performing the duties of a watchman. He was subsequently sent to a location in Pigeon Island, Corentyne River where Baichan is said to be building a concession to perform the same task.
Information had revealed that Baichan had sent another individual to relieve James. However, while exiting the boat that person discovered that James was injured and became afraid and left the area after which he informed Baichan.
They police were alerted and a team visited the area. James, who was still alive, was transported to the Skeldon Hospital, but owing to his condition he was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he succumbed.
Amsterdam had told this newspaper that the incident appeared to be a murder since nothing was stolen. James had never regained consciousness and as such the police were unable to obtain a statement from him.
The dead man’s sister, Shirley James had explained that about two months ago her husband passed away and one day during the period of mourning, her daughter who was visiting from overseas noticed Vickram packing his belongings. “She ask he where he did going and he said he was going to work as a watchman but although she tried to stop he from going, he went,” she said.
When Vickram did not return and was not seen or heard from, his family became worried and started to enquire about his whereabouts.
According to the woman, when her son visited Baichan he confirmed that Vickram worked there and that he had sent him to another location. When he returned later he was informed that thieves had gone to the location and that Vickram had been “stabbed,” the sister said.
She said Baichan promised to visit the Corentyne River location the following day to bring Vickram out but the family never heard from him. It was a police officer, who is known to the family, who visited their home and told them that they should visit the hospital as Vickram had been admitted as a patient.
Shirley said family members visited the Skeldon Hospital but Vickram was not there. They later learnt that he had been transferred and they visited the Georgetown institution where they learned that he had died.
The family was given an opportunity to identify the body at the mortuary and noticed that his throat was slit.