The preliminary inquiry (PI) into the treason charge against Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Major Bruce Munroe, his wife Carol Ann Munroe and ex-soldier Leonard Wharton commenced yesterday.
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack in association with Sonia Joseph also from the DPP chambers are the special state-appointed prosecutors.
The first witness, Quincy Critchlow, who was called by the prosecution took to the witness stand and testified.
Acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry who is presiding over the case at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court adjourned the matter to March 7 for the continuation of the PI.
Meanwhile, when the matter was called, the DPP expressed her dissatisfaction with having to wait in excess of two hours before the PI started because the defendants were brought late from the prisons.
Ali-Hack who noted that the prosecution was ready to commence and had to be delayed because of the absence of prisoners asked the court to ensure that prisoners are brought to court on time.
Magistrate Sewnarine-Beharry, however, informed the DPP that she has admonished the police on several occasions to ensure that prisoners are taken to court for 9:00am but stressed that punctuality of prisoners lies with the police and prison officials.
Meanwhile, attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes who is representing Carol Ann Munroe made a renewed application for his client to be seen and properly examined by Dr. Bhiro Harry, noting that this request has still not been granted.
The trio is accused of treason: the charge states that between December 1, 2009 and December 16, 2010, at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, they intended to level war within Guyana to force the President out of office, in order to compel the Government of Guyana to change its measures.
