Man drowns, another killed on weekend

Richard Morais, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

ONE MAN was shot and killed in Westmoreland, while another drowned in St James on the Independence weekend.

They are 39-year-old Waident Sutherland of Top Geneva, Grange, and 26-year-old Warren Anthony Sawyers, a quarry worker of Johns Hall.

In the Westmoreland incident, Sutherland was shot and killed and two others, including a suspended policeman, were injured when a group of unknown attackers fired on patrons at a sports bar in Top Geneva early yesterday morning.

Reports are that about 1:30 a.m., the patrons were at the popular sports bar and restaurant when several explosions were heard. The attackers apparently did not confront the patrons but fired on them from outside before retreating.

After the shooting subsided, the three men were found suffering from gunshot wounds. They were rushed to the Savanna-la-Mar Public Hospital, where Sutherland was pro-nounced dead. The other two were admitted in stable condition. No motive has been established for the shooting.

In the other incident, Sawyers died on Independence Day in the vicinity of Dump Up Beach. Reports are that he borrowed a small inflatable raft late in the afternoon and it drifted out to sea.

The marine police discovered the body and the raft on Sunday, approximately two miles from shore. They believe the raft deflated, leading to his drowning.