“Chico” gets life sentence for murder of Berbice businessman during robbery

A 39-year-old Hampshire, Corentyne, Berbice man was on Wednesday sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum of 20 years before becoming eligible for parole, for the robbery-murder of Williamsburg businessman Akbhar Sain.
Satish Ramnaraise, also called “Chico”, had earlier pleaded guilty to the offence, admitting that he killed Sain during the course of a robbery committed on October 18, 2023. The matter was heard in the Berbice High Court before Justice Deborah Kumar-Chetty, thereby eliminating the need for a full trial.
In delivering the sentence, Justice Kumar-Chetty underscored the grave and violent nature of the crime, noting that the 69-year-old businessman was particularly vulnerable and was subjected to severe blows to the head, which resulted in his death.
The Judge observed that the accused continued the robbery after leaving the victim bleeding, describing his actions as callous and brutal. She added that such offences pose a serious threat to public safety, particularly among small business owners.

The court, however, also weighed several mitigating factors. A probation report indicated that Ramnaraise was generally regarded as a helpful individual within his community. Checks conducted at the Rose Hall Town Police Station and the New Amsterdam Prison revealed no prior criminal record. It was further disclosed that he had been experiencing financial difficulties, which he claimed led to the commission of the offence.
Forensic psychiatrist Dr Meenawattie Rajkumar told the court that Ramnaraise was evaluated in February and found to be mentally stable, cooperative, and fully aware of the proceedings. While noting that he had been treated for a depressive disorder, she recommended continued psychiatric care.
When allowed to address the court, Ramnaraise expressed remorse and pleaded for mercy. Justice Kumar-Chetty acknowledged his early guilty plea, which spared the victim’s family the ordeal of a trial, as well as his apparent remorse.
However, she maintained that robbery accompanied by fatal violence remains among the most serious offences under the law.
Having weighed both aggravating and mitigating factors, the Judge ruled that the minimum sentence permitted by law was appropriate. She accordingly imposed a life sentence, ordering that Ramnaraise serve no less than 20 years before being considered for parole.
The charge stemmed from the fatal attack on Sain at his supermarket at Lot 11 C Williamsburg, Corentyne. Evidence presented to the court revealed that Ramnaraise forced his way into the building before confronting the businessman.
During the altercation, Sain struck him with a piece of wood, after which Ramnaraise retaliated, delivering blows that caused the elderly man to collapse with fatal injuries. Despite the victim’s condition, the accused proceeded to ransack the premises and later entered the upper flat, from where cash was taken.
Residents, alerted by the disturbance, contacted the Police, who responded and found Sain lying in a pool of blood. Ramnaraise was apprehended at the scene after being shot once by Police.