By Nafeeza Yahya

SEVERAL associates of Marcus Brian Bisram, the suspected mastermind in the murder of Corentyne, Berbice carpenter Fiyaz Narinedatt, 26, have lapsed into silence, while others have distanced themselves from his charity foundation headquartered in New York.One member who requested anonymity told the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday that if Bisram is guilty, he should be held accountable for his action.
“I knew him before all this broke, he has a good heart; unfortunately
he made some wrong choices. He did help a lot of people, it’s sad that
these allegations are against him… innocent until proven guilty and if
he is, then he should face the penalty,” a member of his foundation said.

Another who knows Bisram, said the philanthropist has become power drunk and believes he could get away with anything.

“I knew Bisram when he was a Home Health Aid. He was a good guy, but
since he got rich he changed, he is not the same person anymore. He
believes he can do anything, especially in Guyana and get away with it.
However, if he has nothing to hide, he should return to Guyana and clear his name.”
A relative of Narinedatt, Nuwina Sultana, who resides in the U.S. has informed the authorities there and is optimistic that justice will
prevail.
Sultana said she has received death threats for speaking out on the matter while others choose to remain silent out of fear.
“Since I have spoken out about the incident on social media, I have
been receiving threats from people. I am fearful because they are very
callous, but I won’t stop because if it means I have to speak out to
get justice, I will,” she said, adding that “No family should have to go through this, there should be greater value to human life; as such, it should not attract a monetary value.”
Since the discovery of Narinedatt’s body on the Corentyne Public Road three weeks ago, his relatives were sure that he was murdered.
The police in Berbice had said that the carpenter died as a result of a hit-and-run accident and when his family tried to show them evidence that showed otherwise, they were shut out.
‘WELL CONNECTED’
They have accused the police in Berbice, especially ranks at Springlands, of receiving a hefty “pay-off” from Bisram, who is said to be “well connected,” to “cover up” the matter.

Bisram is the chief executive officer of the Marcus Brian Bisram Foundation, a non-governmental organisation that provides funding to various religious organisations as well as individuals and companies that need financial assistance for education, health and funeral expenses, among others.
In April this year, a month after the launch of the organisation, the U.S.-based Guyanese had pledged $200M to Berbice to assist in various projects. On subsequent visits, Bisram through his organisation rehabilitated the Springlands Traffic Office and donated $2.5M to the Community Policing Group the day before the alleged murder.

REJECTED
On the night of the murder, Bisram was hosting an after party for the Community Policing Group and it is alleged that he made sexual advances to Narinedatt, who was present at the party, but was rejected.
Embittered by the rejection, Bisram allegedly instructed his bodyguards to “get rid” of Narinedatt and a scuffle reportedly ensued with Narinedatt and the men.
The carpenter was reportedly viciously attacked by the bodyguards and several others joined in beating him to death, allegedly in the presence of all at the party.

The relatives of Narinedatt said though many were present at the party,
they did not intervene and were afraid to come forward due to Bisram’s known relationship with the police.
Notwithstanding the brick wall put up by the police in Berbice, they persevered and managed to get the relevant authorities to get ranks from the Major Crimes Unit in Georgetown to take over the investigation.
Soon after, seven persons were arrested with two allegedly confessing that Narinedatt was beaten to death.

The seven suspects in custody are a group of young friends, including two brothers and Bisram’s alleged body guards.  Many believe they idolise Bisram because of his enormous wealth.
Following confessions from two of the suspects in custody, many have spoken out against Bisram directly, while others are of the view that he is being targeted because of his wealth.

ARREST
Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum on Sunday told the Guyana Chronicle that efforts are being made to get Bisram to Guyana to be interrogated in connection with the murder of the young carpenter, whose body was reportedly dumped on the Number 70 Public Road on November 1.

He said investigations into the matter are still ongoing are charges are expected to be laid shortly as the police await legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

On Saturday, Bisram’s mother, along with the sister of one of the suspects was arrested after they allegedly attempted to give ranks of the Major Crime Unit a $4M bribe to scuttle the investigation.