Lance Corporal Shamar Calder, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard rank who was wounded during an exchange of gunfire along Guyana’s western border, remains at the GDF Medical Centre awaiting further medical attention, according to a family member.
The family member said Calder was expected to see a doctor on Monday but, up to the time of the update, had not yet been seen.They said Calder has remained in contact with them while he is being kept at the medical facility, where he is being monitored following surgery to remove a bullet from his leg.
Calder, 23, was shot in the right thigh during a GDF operation along the Cuyuni River on May 29. He subsequently underwent surgery at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) to remove the projectile lodged in his leg.
The GDF had previously said Calder received immediate medical attention following the incident and was later placed under medical supervision, receiving specialist follow-up care through both the GPHC and the GDF Medical Corps.
The Force also said Calder was readmitted to the GPHC on August 1 for the surgical removal of the projectile and was discharged on August 3. He was subsequently placed on authorised sick leave.
However, a family member said Calder continues to experience discomfort as he recovers.
They said he had been experiencing pain in his leg and had his stitches removed on Monday.
Calder has also been experiencing headaches and back pain, although the family member said these symptoms were expected following the surgery.
“He just had headaches and back pain, but that was normal. He had surgery to remove the bullet,” they said.
The latest update comes days after Calder publicly raised concerns about the level of assistance he had received following his injury.
In a video interview posted by Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, Calder said that while he continued to receive his regular GDF salary, he had received no additional financial assistance following the shooting.
“I received nothing other than my normal salary,” Calder said.
He also expressed uncertainty over the status of a housing application he submitted in 2024, saying he understood discussions following his injury to suggest that assistance would be provided to help him secure a home for his family.
Calder said his injury has left him with persistent pain and difficulty standing for extended periods, preventing him from continuing construction work which he previously undertook to supplement his GDF income.
The GDF subsequently rejected suggestions that Calder had not been adequately supported.
In a statement, the Force said the injured soldier had received immediate medical attention at the GPHC, was admitted for observation and subsequently received specialist follow-up care through the GPHC and GDF Medical Corps.
The GDF also disclosed that Calder is receiving psychological support through its Medical Corps and said administrative processes concerning his welfare and that of his family are being addressed.
“The GDF remains committed to the care, welfare and recovery of its personnel, particularly those injured in the line of duty,” the Force said.
However, the Force’s statement did not specifically address Calder’s concerns regarding additional financial assistance or the status of his 2024 housing application.
Calder had previously said that after his initial discharge from the GPHC, he spent two days at the Ayanganna Medical Centre under observation. During that period, he said Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan visited him and later facilitated a brief telephone conversation with President Irfaan Ali.
He also said a sergeant major subsequently requested the acknowledgement letter for his housing application, which his wife provided along with copies of their children’s birth certificates.
According to Calder, he was later told that confirmation was still being awaited from the relevant housing authorities.
He further said the Men on Mission programme had contacted him about constructing a house, but that he first needed land registered in his name.
Calder is the sole provider for his family unit, according to the family member, adding further concern to his prolonged recovery and inability to resume the additional work he previously undertook.
The May 29 incident occurred when a GDF patrol escorting civilian commuters along the Cuyuni River in Region Seven came under hostile fire from the Venezuelan shore.
Calder was among the GDF personnel injured during the incident.
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