‘Fed up’ Magistrate announces peremptory fixtures
THE preliminary inquiry (PI) into the treason charge, against Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Major Bruce Munroe, his wife, Carol Ann Munroe and former Army Reserve Officer Leonard Wharton, was, yesterday, adjourned to October 24, 25 and 27. Acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, who is conducting the proceedings, was compelled to adjourn because the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mrs. Shalimar Ali-Hack is unwell and Ms. Sonia Joseph, from the same Chambers is presently on annual leave.
Ali-Hack is prosecuting in association with Joseph.
When Police Inspector Stephen Telford related the circumstances to the court, he was asked, by the magistrate, to produce a medical certificate.
Declaring that she is ‘fed up’ of the prosecution excuses, the magistrate said, when postponements are being requested at such short notice, it is a waste of judicial time because other cases could have been heard.
The magistrate declared that the prosecution seems to be dragging its feet on the case.
Defence counsel, Mr. Nigel Hughes made an application for the charge to be dismissed but, due to the seriousness of the offence, the magistrate granted the adjournment and announced peremptory fixtures, setting aside the three days to deal with the case.
The Munroes and Wharton are accused of having, between December 1, 2009, and December 16, 2010, plotted to level war within Guyana and force the President out of office.
The charge for the capital offence is linked to the arson at the Ministry of Health in Brickdam, attempts to burn Richard Ishmael Secondary School and the Supreme Court and the gun attack at Brickdam Police Station, all within Georgetown, in July 2009.