There are no females awaiting trial at the Berbice Assizes, but there are 31 men waiting to stand trial for the capital offence of murder, three for sexual penetration and one for carnal knowledge.
Following the traditional parade and march past, Justice Roxanne George took the salute and then inspected the parade.
Of the 36 cases listed for trial, four persons have indicated their willingness to plead guilty to the offence for which they are indicted. The four, all of whom are accused of murder, are Omar Bacchus, 23; Navin Sugrim, 25; Roy Lewis, 36 and Charles Goodluck, 64.
The criminal session will not have its first trial until February 9, when the presiding judge will be available.
Meanwhile, in addressing the jury panel, Justice George explained the importance of jury duty to the criminal justice system in Guyana.
“Jury duties are for civil society in most of the … Commonwealth countries in the world.”
She warned that employers should not demand of workers who are serving on a panel that they report for work after finishing at the court.
“Jury service is part of your secular work. Don’t let anyone approach you in relation to a matter if you have been chosen to serve on the panel.”
Attorney-at-Law Natasha Backer will represent the State and prosecute on its behalf during the session.
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