Murder accused admits to manslaughter in ‘Whyte Eye’ killing

…to know fate on Sept 3

A murder trial at the Berbice Assizes came to an abrupt end on Monday after the accused, Bhola Jaipersaud, also called “Joey,” changed his plea from not guilty to guilty on the lesser count of manslaughter in the killing of Rameshwar Sydney, known as “Whyte Eye.” Jaipersaud entered the guilty plea before Justice Gino Persaud during his second appearance in the High Court. Following the plea, the court adjourned the matter to September 3 when a sentencing hearing will be held.
When the trial opened last week, Jaipersaud had denied the murder charge and a 12-member jury was empanelled to hear the matter. However, the change of plea brought the murder trial to an end before the case proceeded further. Jaipersaud had been indicted for the murder of Sydney, a cash-crop farmer, who was killed on July 8, 2022. The prosecution had previously indicated that it intended to call 15 witnesses during the trial. During the hearing on September 3, the prosecution and defence are expected to make submissions before Justice Persaud determines the appropriate sentence. Jaipersaud remains in custody pending the sentencing hearing. Sydney, a father of five, was killed at Bush Lot Village and reports at the time stated that Sydney had returned home from his farm and was having lunch when a neighbour visited and invited him over to chat.

Sydney reportedly left his home and went with the neighbour but, minutes later, was seen running from the neighbour’s yard towards his home with a knife lodged in his neck.
A security guard who was passing through the area reportedly saw the injured man collapse and raised an alarm. Sydney was subsequently taken to the Port Mourant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Reports following the killing had indicated that Sydney and the neighbour were known to each other and were considered friendly, and as such, relatives reportedly had no initial reason for concern when Sydney left his home. Jaipersaud was subsequently charged with Sydney’s murder.