By: Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News |
Day 35 of the Election Fraud Trial continued on Monday before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where the voir dire (trial within a trial) entered its second day.
Four police officers — including senior investigators from the Major Crimes Unit — took the stand as the prosecution continued leading evidence.
Testimonies from Key Investigators
Those testifying were:
- Senior Superintendent and Deputy Crime Chief, Mitchell Caesar (Head of the Major Crimes Unit)
- Inspector Jeremy Launey, attached to the CID Major Crimes Unit
- Lance Corporal Devon Benjamin, attached to the CID registry
- Assistant Superintendent of Police Kamar Pitama, also of the Major Crimes Unit
Superintendent Caesar was the first to testify, recounting his role in August 2020 when he conducted an interrogation of former Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo. He was later extensively cross-examined by defense attorney Nigel Hughes.
Inspector Launey told the court that he served as a scribe during Mingo’s interview, while Lance Corporal Benjamin confirmed his assignment at the CID Registry during the investigation.
Assistant Superintendent Pitama stated that on August 25, 2020, he was stationed at the Major Crimes Unit, where he made diary entries and assisted in video interviews conducted with Mingo.
Following their testimonies, all four witnesses were cross-examined by defense counsel.
Next Hearing and Case Background
The matter has been adjourned until October 29, 2025, when Superintendent Caesar is expected to return to the stand.
The charges stem from investigations into the March 2020 General and Regional Elections, during which multiple former officials of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) — including Mingo — were accused of attempting to manipulate election results.
In total, the accused face 19 conspiracy-related charges linked to alleged electoral fraud. The prosecution has signaled its intention to call approximately 73 witnesses in the case.
