Illness and Missing Counsel Stall Election Fraud Trial
By Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News|
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — The 2020 Election Fraud Trial hit a major procedural snag on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, forcing a sudden adjournment. Day 54 of the proceedings before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty was disrupted by a combination of witness illness and the absence of a key defense attorney.
The court had expected to hear critical testimony as the prosecution continues its push through a witness list of approximately 73 individuals.
Key Witnesses and Disruptions
Several factors converged on Tuesday to prevent the trial from moving forward as scheduled:
- Robeson Benn Unavailable: Former Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn, who was slated to take the stand as a witness, was unable to testify due to reported illness.
- Defense Counsel Out of Jurisdiction: Attorney Eusi Anderson had previously notified the court that he would be out of the jurisdiction until February 27, 2026. Because he represents several of the accused, the court could not proceed with the cross-examination of witnesses in his absence.
- Police Witnesses Ready: Despite the delay, the prosecution had four police officers present and ready to give evidence in the voir dire concerning former GECOM staff member Denise Babb-Cummings. However, their testimony had to be put on hold.
The Accused and the Allegations
The trial remains focused on 19 conspiracy charges related to alleged attempts to manipulate the results of the March 2020 General and Regional Elections.
Notable Defendants Remaining Before the Court:
- Keith Lowenfield (Former CEO)
- Roxanne Myers (Former DCEO)
- Clairmont Mingo (Former Region 4 Returning Officer)
- Volda Lawrence (Former PNCR Chair)
- Carol Smith-Joseph (PNCR Activist)
- GECOM Staff: Sheffern February, Enrique Livan, Michelle Miller, and Denise Babb-Cummings.
Next Steps
The matter has been adjourned to Wednesday, February 25, 2026, though full momentum is not expected until the return of defense counsel later this week. The court is working through a rigorous schedule to handle the extensive evidence and testimony required for this historic case.
