MAIN WITNESS TAKES THE STAND

Constant Whispers and murmurs which had earlier filled a Port-of-Spain courtroom came to a  halt yesterday with the announcement from State attorney Nizam Khan that the State’s main witness was next to testify at the resumption of the preliminary inquiry into the double murder of Kerwin Hinds and Kerwin Cyrus. Accused of the two murders is 29-year-old Garvin “Beam” Sookram, who was among four persons freed of a murder charge at the Port-of-Spain High Court five weeks before the killings on July 28.

Relatives and friends of  Sookram gave long and piercing stares as the witness, Sean Quamina went on the stand. Quamina, of  55 Spring Vale, Claxton Bay, who has been in protective custody since the incident, is the thirteenth witness to give evidence in the inquiry so far. He was led into evidence by attorney Khan and later cross- examined by Sookram’s attorney, Richard Mason. The matter is being heard by Chief Magistrate Sherman Mc Nicolls in the Port-of-Spain Eighth Court. It is alleged that Sookram, of Sawmill Avenue, Barataria,  and another person on the said date, at Granado Street, Sawmill Avenue, Barataria, murdered Cyrus and Hinds.

Cyrus, 20, lived at Couva while Hinds hailed from Diego Martin. Sookram was shot in the same incident, and was rushed to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital for treatment to his right shoulder. However he discharged himself from the hospital the following morning. On August 1, he was charged by Inspector Ancil Coa for the murders. Newsday understands that a warrant has been issued since August 3 for the arrest of the second murder suspect. Hearing resumes today. Inspector Coa is expected to testify, after which the Chief Magistrate will rule in the matter.