They were formerly both BDF doctors but today Doctor Ervin Gabourel and Doctor John Gough were literally at war - and it didn't happen within the comfy confines of a clinic or the demure trappings of doctor's office - it happened in plain view of all at the northern border!
According to reports, around 4:00, the doctors - who were both heading to the Mexican side - met at the border crossing. Words were exchanged and suddenly, it was on! A full blown fight between Gabourel, the gastroenterologist and Gough, the cardiologist. It lasted a while and multiple blows did connect.
Nearby security personnel were called to break up the fight which happened right in front of the border management building. That's where the money changers gather and, we repeat, it's in in plain view of all.
Both men went in to the Corozal police where this evening officer in Charge superintendent Guzman confirmed that they are in police custody and at this time they will be jointly charged for disorderly conduct.
Guzman confirmed that Gabourel is saying he was threatened and provoked and told us he had not yet interviewed Gough - but said that ultimately a judge will have to determine who started the fight. They will both receive police bail and will appear in court on Monday.
We spoke to Gabourel who said that Gough saw him and said that "one of these days he will beat him up."
Gabourel told us that he responded that "it can be today" - and he says Gough put up his hands and he did too. Gabourel told us he got the better of it, and only his shirt was torn.
We couldn't reach Dr. Gough, but his daughter told us that indeed her father's face was bloody and bruised. She told us that her father had gone to change money, said something to Gabourel, and was walking back to the car where his family was waiting.
She says that when he was almost inside the car, Gabourel attacked him - punching him to the face. She says her father fell to the ground and was unconscious for a few seconds and she says Gabourel got over him and continued to beat him. She says four men had to pull Gabourel off her father.
Now you must be saying what could cause such an embarrassing and bloody mess between eminent professionals, right? Well, there's some history between the two. Both were BDF doctors, and Gabourel was Gough's commanding officer when Gough was tried and convicted of desertion of duty and spent twenty-one days in lockdown at Price Barracks.
At news time tonight, both were still at the Corozal police station.
