The Court of Appeal is set to deliver its ruling on January 15, 2025, in the case of Samuill Intiaz Shaw, also known as ‘Taliban’ and ‘Arno,’ who, alongside Ramsammy Angeshallam, called ‘Babs,’ was convicted of attempting to murder Bajai Ramdass, known as ‘Bruck Back.’
Shaw and Angeshallam were found guilty in 2016 by a 12-member jury at the Berbice Criminal Assizes, held at the High Court in that county after deliberating for over two hours. The conviction followed a trial presided over by Justice Franklyn Holder, who heard evidence of a January 16, 2012 altercation at Crabwood Creek that left Ramdass wheelchair-bound and blind in one eye.

Shaw was sentenced to 17 years in jail, while Angrashalam, was sentenced to 12 years.
During his testimony at the trial, Ramdass recounted that he had previously entered into an agreement with Shaw to plant plantains together. However, the arrangement eventually fell apart, with Shaw refusing to pay him. This prompted Ramdass to initiate legal proceedings against Shaw. According to

court records, Ramdass had gone to a disputed plantain farm at Crabwood Creek, when he was ambushed by Shaw and Angeshallam. Witness testimony revealed that Shaw fired a gun at Ramdass, causing severe injuries. Angeshallam, armed with a bicycle tube, attempted to drag Ramdass’s boat toward Shaw, who allegedly threatened to mutilate the victim.

Despite his injuries, Ramdass defended himself with a cutlass, wounding Angeshallam before pretending to be dead to escape further harm. Shaw then fired another shot at the Ramdass’s face. Both Shaw and Angeshallam denied the charges, claiming in unsworn statements that the victim’s brother, Jagdeo, known as ‘Spraga,’ was responsible for the shooting.

However, their defence was rejected, resulting in their conviction.
Shaw’s appeal challenges the verdict on grounds of alleged procedural errors and insufficient evidence. The Court of Appeal’s decision could affirm, overturn, or order a retrial of the case.