As the murder of well-known educator Kirwyn Mars, fondly called ‘Sir Mars’, continues to send shockwaves through the country, his killer, who police believe is injured, remains at large.
According to the police, Mars, who was also a popular actor and comedian, was in his grey Mitsubishi RVR, PZZ 6438, around 10.30 last night with another man. Apparently they had an argument and a physical altercation ensued.
At some point, Mars exited the vehicle and it is believed that the suspect then reversed hitting Mars and pinning him to the fence of a house at Plantation Providence, East Bank Demerara. Investigations point to the suspect then exiting the vehicle and escaping in a southern direction on foot.
An examination of Mars’ body found that he had lacerations to the face, head, hand, shoulder, forehead above the left eye, right side chest and back.
The police said two knives were recovered from the scene. The assumption is that both men were armed and that they injured each other during the altercation. Investigations are continuing.
Mars’ brother, Kester Mars, told Stabroek News at the scene that he had received a call just after 11:00 pm from Mars, but it appeared that his number was inadvertently dialled. He said he did not speak to his brother, but overheard him having a conversation.
“… In the background, someone [was] saying, ‘you called somebody’ and he said, ‘come into the car’. So, I thought probably he drink and his phone miscall me…,” Kester Mars related. “I was trying to call him less than ten minutes after, and then I hear a car blowing at my home… [They] said that Sir Mars got murdered. I came here and I saw him under the car and call 911.”
Kester Mars also said that his brother never indicated that his life was threatened or told him of any issue with anyone.
Mars spent some 31 years in the teaching profession and at the time of his death was the deputy principal of the New Central High School, where the flag was flown at half mast yesterday.
In his career as a comedian and actor, he was famous for his roles in the “Nothing to Laugh About” series.
He was described as someone who brought the light into a dark room.
In a post online, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand wrote: “Shocked and saddened at the gruesome death of Sir Mars. The fact that he dedicated himself to teaching Guyana’s children should give a good indication of who he was. Deepest condolences to his family and friends and his colleagues in education. Looking forward to swift action by the Guyana Police Force and the justice system.”
“Am speechless, why, why why????? Your senseless demise is telling! It didn’t have to be this way,” Secretary of the Guyana Teachers Union Coretta McDonald wrote on her Facebook page.
She described Mars as a friend, colleague, educator, comedian, motivator, livewire, a disciplinarian who gave distinguished service to the sector, and a patriotic son of the soil.
“On behalf of the teachers of Guyana and on my own behalf, this too is our loss but to his immediate and school family, to the teachers of South Georgetown (District 13) our heartfelt condolences. We pray for divine comfort and strength even now as you go through this tragic phase. It is my hope that we will join hands as we seek to bring an end to this scourge that has gripped this dear land of ours. Rest easy Klipper, Kirwyn Ceon Mars, until we meet again,” McDonald wrote.
Comedian Lyndon ‘Jumbie’ Jones said: “The news is shocking to everybody; everybody is in a state of shock and it’s like we all know people will pass and we have had other colleagues that would have passed, that was equally devastating but for some reason I don’t know why this one really hit in this kind of way. It’s like it gets you lost for words, you don’t know exactly what to say or how to respond.”
He described Mars as one of the most tolerant people he knew as he did not take comments to heart, would put on a show anywhere he went and was very kind. Jones, who co-produced “Nothing to Laugh About” said they could not have a show without Mars since a lot of people went specifically to see him and moving on without him will be difficult.
