GDF trio to stand trial for killing gold dealer

The three dismissed Guyana Defence Force Coastguardsmen charged with killing a Bartica gold dealer back in 2009 has been committed to stand trial in the High Court after a prima facie case had been made out against them at the conclusion of the preliminary inquiry.

The PI held at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court, West Coast Demerara, was presided over by Magistrate Nyasha Williams-Hatmin.

The now dismissed coastguards are: Sherwin Hart of 123 Eccles, East Bank Demerara; Deon Greenidge of 155 Middle Road, La Penitence, Georgetown; and Devon Gordon of 108 C Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown. They were all jointly charged with robbing and murdering Dweive Ramdass on August 20, 2009 at Bonasika Creek, Essequibo River. The trio had first appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman on August 25, 2009 and was not required to plead to the indictable charge.

Additionally, Shawn Ajeda, 22, of 123 Eccles, EBD, Viola Adolphus, 32, of 108 C Field, Sophia and Yvonne Beckles, 49, of 166 Middle Road, La Penitence were separately charged for accessory to murder. The charges read to the three Coast Guard ranks by Magistrate Latchman stated that between August 20 and 22, the trio murdered Ramdass at Caiman Hole, Essequibo River.

In accessory to the murder of Ramdass, Ajeda, Adolphus and Beckles knowingly received, comforted, assisted and maintained the Coast Guard ranks, the charges stated.

At the time of the robbery Ramdass was reportedly heading to Bartica with Gy$17 million to transact business on behalf of his employer. Ramdass was in a passenger boat which had left the Parika Stelling but the vessel was intercepted by the ranks that were in a GDF Coast Guard boat.

The Coast Guard ranks ordered the speedboat back to the stelling where they pretended to be searching the passengers. It is believed that they had already singled out Ramdass who was carrying the money in a box. Eyewitnesses recalled seeing the army ranks arguing with Ramdass at the Parika Stelling.

According to one eyewitness, when the speedboat was forced back to the stelling, the Coast Guard ranks, who were all carrying rifles, took Ramdass out and questioned him about the contents of the box he was carrying, and one of them was seen peering into the box with the cash. They then ordered Ramdass into their boat and sped away.