Marcus Bisram case remains stalled; Magistrate to decide way forward on Feb. 10

After listening to lengthy submissions from both the defence and prosecution in the Marcus Bisram hearing at the Whim Magistrates’ Court on Monday, Magistrate Renita Singh has now set February 10 as the date to decide on the way forward once more.

The proceedings, which were heard for over an hour, centered on the need for a Preliminary Inquiry.

The defence is calling for a speedy trial via a paper committal as was previously agreed by Senior Magistrate Alex Moore but the prosecution wants an opportunity to call witnesses.

In her presentation, State Prosecutor Stacy Goodings argued that there should be no short cut to ensuring justice and that given the serious nature of the crime Bisram is before the court for, they (the prosecution) should be given an opportunity to present their case fully.

The defence again argued that the prosecution’s case is a waste of time since a paper committal is equally effective and much faster.

Magistrate Singh said she will seek clarity on whether notations were made by the previous Magistrate on the case docket to that effect and will make a decision on the way forward on February 10, 2020.

Bisram is before the courts to answer the charge of murder.

He is accused of orchestrating five men to murder Faiyaz Narinedatt on November 01, 2016.

Narinedatt’s body was found around 03:30hrs on Tuesday, November 01, 2016, on the Number 70 Public Road, East Corentyne, Berbice.

His death was initially reported as a suspected hit-and-run accident. It was later reported that Bisram was angry that Narinedatt resisted his sexual advances and ordered men to kill him.

The men – Orlando Dickie, Radesh Motie, Diodath Datt, Harri Paul Parsram, and Niran Yacoob – have all been committed to stand trial for the murder of Narinedatt.