Corentyne contractor to stand trial for rape of 12-year-old girl

A 51-year-old contractor from Number 51 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, has been committed to stand trial for the rape of a child under 16 years.

The accused, Dexter Philadelphia, also known as “Dexter Clarke,” appeared before Justice Deborah Kumar at the Berbice High Court on Tuesday, where he pleaded not guilty to the charge.

It is alleged that on August 6, 2016, Philadelphia raped a 12-year-old girl in Berbice.

Philadelphia is being represented by attorney-at-law Kevin Morgan. During the proceedings, State Prosecutor Marisa Edwards informed the court that the prosecution intends to call seven witnesses, including three police officers, to testify in the matter.

Following the disclosure of the prosecution’s witnesses, a 12-member jury was empaneled. The trial is scheduled to commence on February 9, 2026.