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March 18, 2026
A 39-year-old carpenter has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of 69-year-old Akbar Sain, the former owner of a supermarket in Williamsburg, Corentyne, Berbice.
Satesh Ramnerish appeared before Justice Deborah Kumar-Chetty at the Berbice High Court in New Amsterdam on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
He admitted to killing Sain on October 18, 2023, and pleaded guilty on February 3, 2026, where he waived his right to a jury trial, which under Guyanese law would have presumed him innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
At Wednesday’s sentencing hearing, the probation officer reported that residents described Ramnerish as helpful. Inquiries at the Rose Hall Town Police Station and the New Amsterdam Prison revealed that he had no prior convictions. Ramnerish stated that financial hardship drove him to steal from Sain’s business.
During sentencing, forensic psychiatrist Dr. Meenawattie Rajkumar testified that an evaluation conducted on February 11, 2026, found him to be stable, cooperative, and aware. Although he had previously been treated for depression, she recommended continued care.
When invited to speak, Ramnerish expressed remorse and asked for mercy for his actions.
Justice Kumar-Chetty emphasized the brutality of the crime, highlighting the violent attack on a vulnerable elderly victim and the defendant’s callous actions.
Although the crime was not premeditated, she noted that this did not lessen its seriousness, while also considering his guilty plea and remorse as mitigating factors.
Ramnerish, however, was sentenced to life imprisonment, with the possibility of parole after 20 years.
