SOCU closes case in contempt trial of GBTI directors

The Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) yesterday closed its case in the trial of eight Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Directors, who are charged with failing to comply with a court order.

Charged are Robin Stoby, SC, who is also Chairman of the Board; Edward Anand Beharry, Chairman of Edward B Beharry and Sons Ltd; Suresh Beharry, Vice-Chairman of Edward B Beharry and Sons Ltd; Richard Isava, an investment banker; Shaleeza Shaw; Carlton James; Basil Mahadeo; and Kathryn Eytle-McLean.

It is alleged that they failed to comply with an order issued by the acting Chief Justice Roxane George, SC, for the production of documents for an ongoing criminal investigation.

When the trial continued yesterday, Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan ruled on the admissibility of the contents of an affidavit, which was previously tendered among documents marked exhibits C1 to C21.

The ruling comes after attorneys for the defendants requested that the court conduct a voir dire to determine the admissibility of the affidavit, despite objections by SOCU prosecutor Patrice Henry.

The affidavit was ruled to be inadmissible yesterday.

The court then proceeded with the trial and continued taking evidence from Special Superintendent of Police Sherroni James.

Subsequent to her testimony, the witness was subjected to cross-examination by Senior Counsel Edward Luckhoo.

Upon the completion of the cross-examination, the prosecution closed its case in the matter.

The Chief Magistrate later adjourned the matter until December 4th, when no-case submissions are expected to be made on behalf of the defendants.