Latest update October 23rd, 2026 10:54 AM
Aug 04, 2026 News
(Kaieteur News) – Bhola Jaipersaud, who pleaded not guilty to a charge of murder when he appeared before the Berbice High Court last week, made a last-minute change to his plea when the matter was called again on Monday.
Appearing before Justice Gino Persaud, Jaipersaud pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter, which carries a lower sentence than murder.
The agreement was reached between the prosecution, led by State Counsel Marisa Edwards, and the defence, led by attorney Latchmie Rahamat, who informed the court of her client’s decision.
A 12-member jury was empanelled on 28th July, 2026, following Jaipersaud’s not guilty plea, with the trial scheduled to commence on 3rd August. However, in light of Monday’s development, the court will now await probation and other reports before proceeding to sentencing.
Justice Persaud formally discharged the jury and adjourned the matter to 3rd September, 2026, for sentencing.
Jaipersaud, also called “Joey”, of Bush Lot Village, Corentyne, was charged with the 2022 murder of Rameshwar Sydney, called “White Eye”, of the same community. Sydney was killed on 8th July, 2022.
The court heard that the two men knew each other. Jaipersaud is a fisherman, while Sydney was a farmer.
According to the prosecution, on 8th July, 2022, Jaipersaud had been consuming alcohol when, at about 12:30 p.m., he invited Sydney to his home to socialise.
While the two were drinking, Jaipersaud reportedly told Sydney to stop planting on his land. The prosecution said Sydney responded by slapping him, prompting an enraged Jaipersaud to go into the kitchen, retrieve a knife, and stab Sydney in the neck.
The injured man ran from the yard before collapsing at the gate. The court heard that Jaipersaud was later seen spraying water on Sydney and reportedly told persons nearby that he was trying to revive him.
Sydney was taken to the Port Mourant Hospital, where he died while receiving treatment. A post-mortem examination determined that he died from shock and haemorrhage.
Jaipersaud was subsequently charged and remanded to prison. His case was the first to be called during the June 2026 Berbice Criminal Assizes.
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