Berbice Assizes: Nine persons to stand trial for murder

A total of 49 individuals charged with murder are among the 59 remanded inmates at the New Amsterdam Prison who are set to face trial during the June session of the Berbice Criminal Assizes.
This was confirmed by Senior Superintendent of Prisons, Patrick Crawford, who disclosed the figures as the new session formally opened on Tuesday with the traditional ceremonial parade and march-past.
This year’s opening was marked by a historic moment—only the fifth time in recorded history that an all-female parade was featured. The contingent, led by an Assistant Superintendent and comprising one Inspector, one Sergeant, and 28 ranks—all women—marched in precision as Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry took the salute.
Justice Peter Hugh will preside over the June session, which will continue until October.
Of the 59 inmates awaiting trial, the breakdown includes two charged with attempted murder, one with sexual activity with a child, one with sexual penetration of a child, four with sexual penetration of adults, and two with unlawful wounding.
The ages of those remanded range from 18 to 71 years. Notably, five of the murder-accused are teenagers. A significant portion—32 individuals—fall within the 21 to 30 age bracket, followed by 11 between the ages of 31 and 40. The oldest accused is a 71-year-old man charged with sexual penetration.
In addition to those on remand, the full list of accused scheduled for trial this session includes persons who were granted bail.
A total of 89 names appear on the gazetted list, covering charges such as sexual offenses, unlawful possession of firearms, and embezzlement.
Justice Sewnarine-Beharry is expected to preside over one trial before Justice Hugh takes over the remainder of the session.