he was allegedly shot in the face with a rubber bullet by a member of the Guyana Police Force, during a police operation last Tuesday evening. The incident occurred between 22:00h and 23:00h at One Mile, Wismar, Region Ten.

According to Assistant Commissioner and Region 10 Commander, Kurleigh Simon, officers were dispatched to the area earlier that evening to disperse protestors who were reportedly blocking roads, burning debris, and throwing missiles at law enforcement. Simon said: “Rubber pellets were used to disperse them.”

However, Hollingsworth’s wife, 35-year-old Nikkisha Hollingsworth, said her husband was not part of the protest. Instead, she explained, he had stepped outside to lock up their shop, which is located in the yard of their home, and to check on their vehicle.

The victim said he had just finished locking up when he heard running on the street. As he turned to head to his brother’s house in the front section of the property, a police officer reportedly aimed directly at him and fired.

“Soon as I turn around fug push in the door… the police was right at the door by the fence, aimed his gun straight in me yard, straight to my face, and shoot,” he said. He alleged that the officer fired five more shots before leaving the scene.

Hollingsworth was first rushed to the McKenzie Hospital before being transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital. Medical officials have since confirmed that a foreign object larger than a standard rubber pellet is lodged deep within his right eye. Surgery could not be performed due to the depth and size of the object. Doctors placed him on antibiotic treatment and advised a two-week observation period to see if the blood in the eye would clear.

But the family says they cannot afford to wait. “I am seeking financial help to get him out of the country as soon as tomorrow (Saturday) to conduct the surgery,” Hollingsworth’s wife told Kaieteur News.

Meanwhile, during a joint news conference by opposition political parties, Lindener   and social activist Nigel London raised concerns about the manner in which the police has been enforcing the law. (Kaieteur News)