27 inmates at NA Prison to stand trial as Berbice Assizes opens
The February session of the Berbice criminal Assizes opened on Tuesday at New Amsterdam, Berbice. The session will be presided over by Justice James Bovell-Drakes.
As per tradition, the session opened with a parade and march-past outside the High Court on Esplanade Road, New Amsterdam, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
Justice James Bovell-Drakes inspecting the parade outside the Berbice High Court, Esplanade Road, New Amsterdam
The parade was led by Assistant Superintendent of Police, Elton Davison and included 25 other ranks.
In delivering the report at the end of the October session, Assistant Superintendent of Prisons Olivia Cox said persons are in prison awaiting trial for murder. In addition, two others are awaiting trial for sexual penetration. All 27 prisoners are males and were indicted in the Berbice Magisterial district.
Of the lot, six of the inmates are between the ages of 17 and 20 years old. Seventy-two per cent of those awaiting trial are below the age of 30, while only one person is above the age of 60.
The first case for the session is Ronald Fraser, who is indicted for the murder of Kwacy Glen at Liverpool Village, Corentyne, on December 6, 2011.
The state is expected to call eight witnesses while Fraser is being represented by State appointed attorney Sasha Robertson. That trial will commence on February 16.
