Security guard remanded on manslaughter charge for stabbing co-worker

A 29-year-old security guard has been remanded to prison over the fatal stabbing of her colleague, 63-year-old Paul Devonish, which occurred in Kingston, Georgetown, on August 19.

The accused, Necose Clement, of Nismes Public Road, West Bank Demerara, appeared Tuesday before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Clement was charged with manslaughter and was not required to plead since the charge is indictable.
Police investigations revealed that Devonish was stabbed last Friday during a confrontation that first stemmed from a quarrel between him and an 18-year-old co-worker. Reports indicate that Devonish had insulted another employee, prompting the teenager to intervene. In response, Devonish allegedly slapped the teen twice, escalating the dispute.
The teenager later left and went to the doctor’s quarters at New Market and Main Streets, where Clement was stationed on duty with her mother, Vanessa Jones. The teen related what had happened, and Jones reportedly advised him to remain there. She also told him that Clement would later accompany him to retrieve his lunch bag.
According to police, while Clement and the teenager were walking east along Barrack Street, Kingston, they were confronted by Devonish, who was riding an electric bicycle. Devonish allegedly told the teen that he was lucky he did not “box off” his head. Clement then intervened, questioning why the older man was targeting the younger guard. Devonish allegedly replied by asking her whether she had come to represent the teenager.
A scuffle soon broke out between Clement and Devonish. During the tussle, Clement reportedly pulled a knife from the pocket of her pants and stabbed Devonish in his upper left thigh.
The wounded man was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), but doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.
Police stated that Clement threw the knife into the Lamaha Street trench, after which she returned to her worksite, collected her belongings, and proceeded to the teenager’s home. She was later arrested there.
In a video/audio-recorded interview, Clement admitted to stabbing Devonish.
Investigators have since taken multiple witness statements regarding the incident. Police also confirmed that at the time of the altercation, Devonish was off duty.
Magistrate Latchman remanded Clement to prison, and the matter has been adjourned until September 16.