A THREE-member jury has been appointed to determine how bartender Roxanne Brewster met her death, and whether anyone is criminally responsible for her drowning which occurred on August 22, 2012, at Bermine, East Bank Berbice.

Coroner Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus has commenced hearing evidence at the New Amsterdam Court, where Detective Sergeant Lawrence Thomas recalled that acting on a report from Shane De Jesus, captain of the MV Alexander — a registered Santo Domingo motor vessel used to transport cement — he, accompanied by other ranks, went to the location.
He observed that there was a metal gangway in the centre of the boat that runs to the wharf, and which measured approximately 11 metres.
Additionally, the sleuth observed that the gangway had a hook supported by a canvas rope. Further, he noticed that there was an opening between the wharf and the boat.
Subsequently, the plainclothes cop said De Jesus told him that he had earlier gone to the Rainbow disco, where he (De Jesus) and one Eon Howard had consumed a bottle of rum. It was during this period that Roxanne Brewster joined them and thereafter consumed seven bottles of beer.

At approximately 02:00hrs, they left the disco, at Charles Place, New Amsterdam, and motored to the MV Alexander. However, on arrival, Howard went away.
De Jesus had reported that whilst he was walking on the gangway with Roxanne Brewster, she fell into the river.
The following date, Thomas recounted that he went to the New Amsterdam Ferry Stelling where the body of a female Negro was brought to shore by fishermen. The body, which was clad in a blue strapped top and blue jeans, was identified by Joseph Brewster as that of his daughter.
It was observed that there was a wound to the left side of the face, prior to the remains being transported to the New Amsterdam Hospital where Dr Marina, pronounced her dead.
Subsequently, Dr Vivikanand Brijmohan conducted a post -mortem and reported that the cause of death was due to asphyxia and drowning. Afterwards, the body of Roxanne Brewster was handed over to relatives for burial which occurred at the Stanleytown cemetery.
In response to questions by the jury, Thomas said he has been a detective for 14 years. Further, he noted that a mesh-like banner had extended along the length of the gangway. The gangway he said extended on both sides and that there were no holes.
The Inquiry will continue on February 16.