Chancellor upholds ‘Taliban’s appeal, reduces sentence

Acting Chancellor, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards yesterday upheld the appeal of Samuill Intiaz Shaw, and reduced his sentence by six years.

She also ordered his release on time served, effective at his January 15, 2025, hearing, citing that his initial 17-year sentence was excessive.

Shaw, also known as ‘Taliban’ and ‘Arno’, was convicted in 2016 alongside Ramsammy Angeshallam, also called ‘Babs’, for the attempted murder of Bajai Ramdass, known as ‘Bruck Back’. The attack left Ramdass wheelchair-bound and blind in one eye.

The incident occurred on January 16, 2012, at Crabwood Creek, following a dispute over a failed plantain farming agreement between Shaw and Ramdass. According to court records, Ramdass was ambushed by Shaw and Angeshallam at the disputed farm. Witnesses testified that Shaw fired a gun at Ramdass, severely injuring him, while Angeshallam, armed with a bicycle tube, attempted to drag Ramdass’s boat toward Shaw, who allegedly threatened to mutilate him.

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

However, a 12-member jury at the Berbice Criminal Assizes rejected their defence, convicting Shaw and Angeshallam. Shaw was sentenced to 17 years in prison, while Angeshallam received 12 years.

Shaw’s appeal, which cited procedural errors and insufficient evidence, resulted in the Chancellor’s decision to reduce his sentence.