Latest update March 28th, 2026 12:30 AM
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Child rape, murders top list as Berbice Criminal Assizes opens
(Kaieteur News) – The Berbice Criminal Assizes opened on Wednesday at the Berbice High Court, with a slew of matters set for the session, including child rape and murder which top the list.
The traditional opening ceremony was held before Justices Sandil Kissoon and Nicola Pierre, along with Region Six Commander Shivpersaud Bacchus, New Amsterdam Mayor Wainwright McIntosh, and his deputy, Kirk Fraser.
The extensive period will undertake some 65 cases before Justice Kissoon, including manslaughter, attempted murder, break and enter and larceny, embezzlement by a clerk or servant, larceny by a clerk or servant, possession of firearm without licence, abduction, and assault causing bodily harm.
The largest portion of the criminal offences relates to rape involving children, with murder matters following closely behind.
Of the 65 cases, a staggering 28 pertain to rape of a child under 16 from an overall 31 rape cases, which the judicial system in Berbice will oversee in the ensuing weeks. Thirty-one accused will be tried for these matters.
There are 16 cases of murder which will be adjudicated. Over 30 individuals are set for trial in those cases.
For manslaughter, there are five matters, with six individuals lined up for trial.
For attempted murder, seven matters will be heard, with ten individuals defending those charges.
Two men are set to appear before the court for robbery under arms, while another five will appear for break and enter and larceny. One individual will appear for embezzlement by a clerk or servant, while three face charges for abduction and assault.
A 12-member jury was empaneled to commence the trial of murder accused Deonarine Dookhoo, also known as’ Dinish’, and ‘Kaddie’, who is charged for murdering his mother, Teshwattie Jaglall back in 2021 at their No.3 Village, West Coast Berbice home. Dookhoo, who had remained in remand, had pleaded not guilty to the charge.
His trial will continue on November 3, 2025.
Twenty-nine-year-old Jamal Angus, a No.30 Village, Corentyne resident is also facing court for the murder of his reputed wife, Vanessa Benjamin. He pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder, but entered a guilty plea for manslaughter.
His matter resumes on November 13, 2025.
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