JUSTICE Navindra Singh yesterday began hearing evidence in the murder trial of Jarvis Small, called ‘Barry’, and co-accused Bibi Shareema-Gopaul for the alleged murder of 16-year-old Queen’s College student Neesa Gopaul, in 2010.Bibi Gopaul, Neesa’s mother, and Jarvis Small, the mother’s partner, are jointly charged with the young girl’s brutal murder more than four years ago.
Prosecutrix Diana Kaulesar told the mixed jury in her opening address that evidence would be led to show that Neesa Gopaul who disappeared in September 2010, was discovered in a suitcase with dumbbells attached.

According to the prosecution, 29 witnesses are to be called.

The prosecutrix said that prior to this incident, Barry Small and Bibi Gopaul were in a relationship and at one time Small lived with Gopaul at Leonora, West Coast Demerara, along with her two daughters. Neesa Gopaul was the elder of Bibi’s two daughters.
The prosecutrix told the jury during her opening address to them: “In September 2010, Neesa was a mere 16-year-old when she disappeared. On October 2nd, 2010 a decomposing body was discovered in a suitcase with dumbbells attached to it at Emerald Towers Resort, Soesdyke-Linden Highway. This body was later confirmed to be Neesa’s.

“This simply means that the prosecution will have to lead bits of evidence from various witnesses which, like pieces of a puzzle, will be put together to form a picture; to reveal to you members of the jury that Neesa Gopaul was cold-bloodedly and brutally murdered by Barry Small, and her mother Bibi Shareema.
“You members of the jury are the judges of the facts and you will ultimately decide whether the State has convinced you through the testimonies of the witnesses as well as other evidence.
“Since you will have to determine whether or not you believe each witness’s evidence, it will be prudent on your part to pay keen attention to what each witness has to say and also to observe their appearance and overall demeanor. I ask that you bear in mind that Neesa was murdered since 2010 and some of these witnesses may have some difficulty in remembering details. It all depends on the person.
“Rest assured that you will not just be on-lookers but active participants in this trial. You will be given an opportunity to ask questions to each witness pertaining to his or her testimony and this process will be facilitated by the judge.
“Your duty is crucial to our justice system and in performing this duty the only skills required are your commonsense and knowledge gained from your everyday experiences.
“While you will be relying on your experiences, as judges of the facts, you must try to be impartial and unbiased.”
The first witness called to testify was former Inspector of Police Ingrid Abrams. Among other things, she testified that she was a Woman Police at CID Headquarters when she received a report from the accused and her daughter that dealt with sex and assault.
That report was sought to be withdrawn by the makers who subsequently did so by way of affidavit. The affidavit which was accepted is an exhibit of the court.
Senior Counsel Mr. Bernard De Santos, Mr. Glenn Hanoman and Mr. Linden Amsterdam with Miss Zanno Frank are appearing for Jarvis Small while Mr. George Thomas is representing Bibi Gopaul.
The trial is continuing.

(By George Barclay)