THE jail delivery before Justice Dawn Gregory shows that of 174 cases listed for hearing at the first criminal session of the Demerara Assizes, 132 are for murder.

The session opens on Tuesday January 6, 2015.
Senior Supt. of Prisons (ag), Gladwin Samuels , the officer in charge of the Georgetown Prison who presented the report, disclosed that of the 132 murders, six of the victims are females.
Other offences for which inmates at the Georgetown Prison are awaiting trial are : Attempted murder (4); Manslaughter (2); Carnal knowledge (20); Incest (1); Armed robbery (1); Buggery (2); Aiding & abetting murder suspect (1); Aiding & abetting to commit murder (1); Abduction (3); Rape (3); Unlawful & malicious wounding(1).
Fourteen murder accused headed by Cyon Collier have requested early trials.
The traditional ceremonial parade will mark the opening of the criminal session.
The parade will include the Police Band Corps of Drums with 60 ranks of the Tactical Services Unit comprising the Guard of Honour.
The Guard of Honour will be inspected by one of the judges assigned to the session, who will later take the salute during a march-past of the parade.

(George Barclay)