Friendship confrontation leaves contractor critically injured

A violent confrontation in Friendship, East Bank Demerara, on Monday left three men injured after a dispute involving a firearm and machetes.

The incident began when a 54-year-old farmer and his 26-year-old son reportedly entered private property while searching for iguanas with a rifle. A 33-year-old contractor and five others fishing on the property confronted the pair regarding the discharge of the firearm. During the ensuing argument, the farmer allegedly discharged the rifle, striking the contractor in the abdomen.

Following the shooting, a second confrontation occurred when the group demanded the firearm be surrendered. The farmer and his son were subsequently struck with chops. The contractor underwent emergency surgery and remains in critical condition, while the father and son sustained non-life-threatening chop wounds.

Police recovered two live rounds, two spent shells, and a bolt-action rifle with a magazine from the area. Investigations are ongoing.