48 murder trials set to commence as Berbice Criminal Assizes open

The Berbice Criminal Assizes officially opened on Tuesday, with approximately 48 inmates set to stand trial.

Justice Zamilla Ally-Seepaul will preside over this critical session, which is scheduled to continue until October.

A total of 59 cases are listed for the June session. Among them, 47 men and one woman are scheduled to face murder charges. Additionally, two men are charged with engaging in sexual activity with a child, one man with sexual penetration, and another with unlawful and malicious wounding.

In a formal address delivered at the prison, it was reported that 58 male inmates are currently being held at the New Amsterdam Prison, while the lone female inmate is at the Timehri Prison. All are awaiting trial in the Supreme Court of Judicature’s Criminal Division in Berbice.

The June session commenced with a traditional parade featuring a strong contingent of female police officers, supported by a select group of senior male officers, including Region Six Regional Commander Shivpersaud Bacchus.

Also in attendance were the Mayor of New Amsterdam, Wainwright McIntosh, and his Deputy, Kirk Fraser.