Rice farmer, friend shot during drinking spree

Two men are now injured after they were shot by gunmen who stormed a birthday party on Sunday at Friendship, Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice Corentyne-Berbice).
The injured men have been identified as 22-year-old Joel Fraser, a rice farmer of Alness, Corentyne, and 36-year-old Bhoopaul Roopnarine of Lot 1585 Glasgow Housing Scheme, East Bank Berbice.
Based on reports received, the two men along with others were attending a birthday party when an argument ensued between Fraser and four unknown men who were armed with a shotgun and pieces of wood.
An eyewitness, Melvin Nandlall, told Guyana Times that Fraser went out of the yard to urinate when four men entered the party and began hitting the posts of the house with pieces of wood.
Upon realising what was happening, Fraser reportedly approached the men with the aim of sorting out the issue but instead, he was attacked with bottle missiles.
However, this led to an argument between Fraser and the four men, during which a bullet was fired, hitting Fraser and Roopnarine.
In addition, Nandlall said he went to Fraser’s rescue but was lashed to the head with a piece of wood.
Not satisfied, the men dragged Fraser onto the street where he was dealt several blows about his body. After the commotion, the suspects fled the scene.
The incident reportedly took place at about 22:15h. Both of the injured men were taken to the Port Mourant Hospital and were subsequently transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital where they were admitted.
There are reports that the four men were imbibing at another house and suddenly left and went over to the birthday party.
As the men made their escape, residents went in pursuit but did not catch up with them but an 18-year-old farmer was arrested and handed over to the police.
Guyana Times understands that Roopnarine underwent surgery on Monday afternoon and is recuperating. Both men are said to be in a stable condition as the investigation continues.