Fisherman remanded for murder at Vreed-en-Hoop stelling
A 25-year-old fisherman of De Willem, West Coast Demerara was on Friday remanded to prison on a murder charge when he appeared before Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court.
Alistair Persaud, a father of two, was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which stated that on September 18, at the Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling, West Coast Demerara (WCD), he murdered Sigmond Gouveia, 26.
Remanded: Alistair Persaud
The murder accused was represented by Attorney-at-law Bernard Da Silva who, during his address to the court, contended that his client was beaten by Police ranks while in custody. Further, the lawyer told the court that his client’s wife is pregnant.
Persaud was, however, remanded to prison, and the
matter has been set to continue on October 12.
The Police have said that Sigmond, a father of two and of Vreed-en-Hoop Jetty, WCD, was fatally stabbed, while his brother, 37-year-old Neville Gouveia, was injured during a brawl at the stelling.
Police, in a statement on September 19, said Neville Gouveia is employed as a security guard at the dockyard, Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling, and Sigmond was there with him on Saturday night.
Injured: Neville Gouveia
At about 23:10h, a boat docked at the koker, and a man exited before it departed. Upon seeing the man, Sigmond told him that he could not use the area for passage. There was a verbal confrontation, and Sigmond advised the man to call the boat back, so it could take him away, which he did.
Another argument ensued between them, and the suspect dealt Sigmond a stab to his abdomen, causing him to fall to the ground in an unconscious state. Sigmond’s brother Neville, who was present, approached the suspect, but he also was stabbed to his right upper arm and chest.
Dead: Sigmond Gouveia
The boat returned shortly after with over 10 persons on board, all of whom were armed with pieces of wood and cutlasses. They collected the suspect and headed across the river.
Both victims were picked up by the Police and taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH), where Sigmond was pronounced dead on arrival while his 37-year-old brother was admitted as a patient. (G1)
