The court case involving four of the seven accused charged in relation to the deadly gas station explosion at Regent Street, Georgetown was called again on Wednesday and March 10 has been set for the commencement of paper committal.
The case is being heard before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
When the case was called on Wednesday morning, Prosecutor Mandel Moore told the court that one of the accused, Johnny Boodram, cannot read English, although he can speak it. As a result, his statements are being translated, and he is expected to receive them today.
The magistrate informed the court that she has received several documents and statements from Attorney Mikel Puran of one of the accused, taxi driver Johnny Boodram.
While, attorney Kiswana Jefford, who represents another accused, Krystal LaCruz, told the court that statements for her client were filed since January 28.
The magistrate also noted that the prosecution has applied for the matter to proceed by paper committal.
This means the court will review written evidence instead of hearing live testimony at this stage. She explained that the charges are not only related to terrorism but also involve actions that led to the death of a six-year-old child.
Jefford asked the court to allow a hybrid process so the defence could cross-examine some key witnesses. However, the magistrate said this is not allowed under the paper committal act.
During paper committal proceedings, the magistrate will decide whether the evidence is admissible and whether a prima facie case exists to send the matter to trial in the High Court. She also asked that a list of witnesses be provided to the prosecution.
Four of the seven people charged in connection with the October 26, 2025 explosion at the Mobil Petrol Station on Regent Street are before this court.
They are Boodram, LaCruz and Venezuelan nationals Daniel Alexander Ramirez Poedemo and Alexander Bettancourt.
Poedemo is said to be the alleged mastermind behind the attack. The explosion was described by authorities as a coordinated act.
The other three accused — Wayne Correia, Ramesh Pramdeo, and Jennifer Rodriguez — are facing separate charges in other magisterial districts.
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