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February 4, 2026
February 4, 2026
February 4, 2026
The February 2026 sitting of the Berbice Criminal Assizes in Region Six officially commenced on Tuesday, with 92 accused persons scheduled to stand trial over the coming months. Murder cases dominate the session, with 38 individuals accused of murder, accounting for 17 matters.
The assizes opened with the customary march past outside the High Court on Esplanade Road, New Amsterdam, Berbice.
Proceedings are expected to continue until June, covering a wide range of serious offences, including murder, manslaughter, attempted murder, sexual offences, robbery under arms, abduction, and financial crimes.
Justice Deborah Kumar-Chetty is presiding over the assizes, while the State’s representation is being led by Attorney-at-Law Marisa Edwards.
Murder remains the most prominent charge, with several cases involving multiple defendants. Some indictments name as many as five individuals in connection with a single killing.
Six accused are facing manslaughter charges, including one retrial. Eleven defendants are listed for attempted murder, often alongside alternative charges such as wounding with intent or felonious wounding.
Sexual offences also feature heavily. Six accused face charges involving adult complainants, while 14 are charged with sexual activity with minors under 16, including multiple-count indictments. Another seven defendants face charges of sexual offences involving child family members, with repeated incidents alleged in certain cases.
Other cases include a robbery under arms, a joint case involving five accused for break and enter and receiving stolen property, one case of embezzlement and larceny by a clerk or servant, and three abduction cases with assault-related charges.
Four accused have signalled their intention to plead guilty during the session.
