A DEMERARA Assize jury will on Monday be called upon to decide whether nephew Fernando Cush, a cane-cutter, who is on trial for the murder of Uncle ‘Mongoose’ in 2009 is guilty or not.

Following the death of Andrew Benjamin, called ‘Mongoose’ from perforation of the heart caused by a stab wound, nephew cane-cutter, Fernando Cush, who had a row and a fight with his uncle, was arrested and charged with murder.
At his trial before Justice Navindra Singh and a mixed jury, he was represented by Attorney-at-Law, Mr. Peter Hugh.
He pleaded not guilty to the crime and claimed that on the day in question he was involved in a quarrel and a fight with his uncle who would beat him up from time to time.
The case for the prosecution was conducted by Mrs. Tashana Lake, who closed her case yesterday following the testimony of 14 witnesses.
According to the three options open to the accused in relation to his defence, the accused could have taken refuge in silence by  sitting in the dock without saying anything, or going to the witness box and giving evidence on oath, where he could be cross- examined, or he could make an unsworn statement from the  dock where no one could question him.   
The accused chose the latter course which according to the judge he is entitled to do by law.
In his statement from the dock the accused related that on June 24, 2009 he and his uncle had a quarrel and a fight.
He said that his uncle who would beat him from time to time attacked him that day with a cutlass causing him, the accused; to bar a lot of blows as his uncle broadsided him with a cutlass.
Cush told the jury that during the attack on him with the cutlass it fell from his uncle’s grasp.
He said that after the cutlass fell the uncle withdrew a knife from his waist and continued to attack him with that weapon.
Cush said further that he continued to ward off blows but was injured in the process on his chest, head; right little finger and the palm of his hand and had to be taken to hospital by the police for treatment.
The accused declared that he was able to run away after he pushed ‘Mongoose’, causing him to fall.
The hearing continues on Monday, when defence counsel and the prosecutor will address the jury in the morning.
The judge said that he would sum up the evidence in the afternoon after which he would hand over the case to the jury for their consideration and verdict.