CAUGHT ON CAMERA: 17 remanded for attempting to incite terror in Georgetown

By Kurt Campbell

Kurt @newsroom.gy

Seventeen individuals were remanded to custody on Wednesday after appearing at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on serious charges under the Criminal Law (Offences) Act.

These individuals were part of widespread unrest that gripped the capital city of Georgetown on Monday. The violence was sparked by public outcry over the tragic death of 11-year-old Adriana Younge, triggering scenes of looting, road blockades, and the burning of debris.

The Guyana Police Force confirmed that more than 100 people were arrested nationwide in connection with the disturbances, with many expected to face charges in various magisterial districts this week.

At the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, 17 accused individuals stood before Magistrate Fabayo Azore. All were denied bail and remanded to prison with their cases adjourned until May 28, 2025. Only one of the accused had legal representation during the hearing.

Among the 17, nine men were jointly charged with attempting to incite terror and cause destruction to both public and private property at Cemetery Road. They face potential fines of up to $500,000 each or up to 10 years in prison. They also stand accused of breaking into a Chinese-owned supermarket and stealing an estimated $6 million in goods.

The nine men charged are:

– Kerwin Baksh (39) – a self-employed vendor

– Devon Lewis (22) – a porter

– Randy Benjamin (26) – a taxi driver

– Alex Atkinson (19) – unemployed

– Aden Cuffy (21) – a construction worker

– Jason Hardy (25) – a construction worker

– Tyrese Assanah (21) – a porter

– Jamal Singh (25) – a mechanical engineer

– Faizal Kennedy (23) –  a delivery rider

Courtroom emotions ran high, with one defendant breaking down in tears, claiming he had been on the streets calling for peace. Others denied being present at the supermarket and alleged mistreatment by police, including being denied phone calls, food and suffering injuries while in custody.

Meanwhile, three more individuals were jointly charged for similar offences committed along Sussex Street. They are:

– Sherwin Nelson (20) – unemployed

– Osafo Harvey (20) – a porter

– Eljim (53) – a vendor

All three pleaded their innocence before the magistrate, although they were not allowed to formally enter pleas at this stage.

In Durban Backlands, another three men were remanded in connection with the disorder:

– Kevin James (34) – a carpenter

– Anthonio Lawrence (19) – a construction worker

– Vincent Trim (27) – a construction worker

One of the accused claimed he was returning home from work and ran in fear upon hearing gunfire, only to be detained by police.

Police prosecutors argued in court that clear video evidence exists implicating each of the accused in the violent episodes, and this footage will be submitted as part of the case.

Finally, two more men were charged over similar offences committed in Hunter Street, West Ruimveldt:

– Emanuel James (18) – a porter

– Jamal Small (25) – a fish vendor

Outside the Courthouse, family members gathered, erupting at times into wails and shouts, professing the innocence of those charged and remanded.