42 criminal cases for trial as Essequibo Assizes open

Forty-two criminal matters, including charges of murder, manslaughter and rape, are set to be heard during the February sessions of the Essequibo Criminal Assizes at the High Court in Suddie, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam). The indictments before the court also include attempted murder, discharging a loaded firearm and inflicting grievous bodily harm, among other serious offences. The matters are expected to be tried before juries over the course of the session.

The assizes were formally opened on Tuesday at the Suddie Police Academy Tarmac in a traditional ceremonial exercise coordinated by the Supreme Court of Judicature. Justice Fidela Corbin-Lincoln inspected the parade and will preside over the criminal sittings. Ranks drawn from Regional Police Division No. 2 formed the parade, with music provided by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Corps of Drums. Regional Police Divisional Commander No 2, Senior Superintendent Khemraj Shivbaran, represented Commissioner of Police Clifton Anthony Hicken. The parade was commanded by Assistant Superintendent R. Ramnarine, while Inspector K. Ganesh served as parade inspector. Regional Chairman Devin Mohan and staff of the Essequibo Sub-Registry of Suddie were also present at the opening ceremony. The ceremonial proceedings marked the commencement of the February criminal assizes in the Essequibo jurisdiction.