MAGISTRATE Renita Singh, on Monday, ruled that the court proceedings for the man accused of murdering Corentyne carpenter, Faiyaz Narinedatt, will proceed by a paper committal hearing.

The magistrate noted that in keeping with the ruling by the CCJ for an expeditious hearing, the official proceedings will be done via a paper committal.

Thursday, February 13, has been set as the next date for the hearing. Magistrate Singh has agreed to what can be considered a ‘hybrid hearing’, by granting the prosecution to lead their main witness while the other 32 witnesses and other evidence shall be submitted to the court.

In addition, a site visit will also be allowed and statements and pictures will be tendered. Further witness/s will be allowed to take the stand to provide information on photos which will be tendered as evidence.

In delivering her ruling, the magistrate stated that she has the greatest respect for the CCJ and wishes to emphasise the ruling made to have an expedited hearing for Marcus Bisram and that everyone has the right to a fair trial.

This decision by the magistrate was welcomed by the defence team that has been pressing for a speedy trial for their client and expressed optimism that they are ready, “any court, anywhere anytime” to start the official proceedings.

The matter was first called on November 21, 2019, mere hours after
Bisram was extradited to Guyana and charged for the murder of Faiyaz Narinedatt, a father of two.

Since then, the matter has been going back and forth on the way forward for the official proceedings. Senior Magistrate, Alex Moore, had to recuse himself and the matter was sent before the chief magistrate in Georgetown before resuming in Berbice at the Whim Magistrate’s court.

Marcus Bisram is accused of orchestrating the murder of Narinedatt on November 1, 2016, after he allegedly refused his sexual advances. The men have since been committed to stand trial in the High Court and have been remanded to prison.

The official proceedings will now get underway on Thursday, where the main witness is expected to take the stand.