| The ‘Champion of Champions’ inter-school sports were marred by violence for the second day in succession, after groups of knife-wielding youths invaded the Bourda Cricket Ground and attacked groups of participants. Kaieteur News understands that some of the victims were relieved of their cellular phones, bags and money.However,Custom Raptors Jersey, at least five suspects were apprehended and turned over to the police, including a youth who was wearing the uniform of a school he did not attend.Investigators were also given the licence number of a car in which six other suspects escaped.President of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), Colwin King, indicated that some of the suspects may be students out of uniform.He told Kaieteur News that disruptive elements also marred Thursday’s event, which was also held at the Bourda Cricket Ground.According to King, on Thursday, four students from a city school — which he identified — relieved a student of a cellular phone.“They then sold the phone for $10,000 and divided the money among themselves,” he said.Following investigations, King added, the mother of the ‘mastermind’ came forward and offered her phone in exchange for the stolen item.However, King said, the culprits must return the stolen phone. “If they fail to comply, we will put them in the hands of the police,” he warned.According to GTU Treasurer Samantha Alleyne, the robbers, who were in their teens and early twenties, gained entry to the ground by scaling the fence.The thieves then attacked and robbed some of the onlookers.Alleyne said that the event was also marred by persons who were peddling marijuana in the ground.“Some of them came in with ‘weed’ to sell, although we insisted that there should be no alcohol at the sports,” she said. The GTU Chairman said that while some police ranks were present, the organizers may have underestimated the size of the crowds.But he also blamed the absence of teachers for the problems which occurred.According to the GTU Chairman, most of the victims were from Queen’s College.“Q.C had a large contingent, but there were no teachers present (yesterday),” he charged.On the other hand, he said, several teachers were present from St. John’s College, and this may have helped to thwart one of the suspects.“There was a big chap wearing a St. John’s College uniform, but the teachers (from that school) realised that he was not a student and put him in the hands of the police.” King explained that the schools that participated so far were from the North Georgetown district, and several more days remain before the event concludes.“But we will be much better prepared,” he promised. |
