Vijay, Ramasir taken to court in special vehicle

PROF Vijay Naraynsingh and his co-murder accused Elton Ramasir are being escorted to and from the San Fernando Magistrates’ Court in a prison mini-bus instead of the prison van, during the preliminary inquiry into the murder of the professor’s wife, Dr Chandra Narayn-singh. Yesterday, Naraynsingh and Ramasir arrived at the courthouse in the back seat of  the vehicle. Police sources said the separate transportation arrangements came into effect after a letter was written to the Commissioner of Prisons about concerns raised by other prisoners who complained that the Inquiry had been given priority over their cases.

Concerned about the security of accused Naraynsingh and Ramasir, the decision was taken to transport the two accused separately from the general batch of prisoners. Yesterday, day 18 of the Inquiry, saw the State’s second “star” witness, Shawn Parris, under cross-examination by the defence for the seventh day. Parris is serving life imprisonment for killing Chandra, who was shot dead outside her workplace at the Langmore Health Foundation on June 29, 1994.

Attorney Larry Lalla, who is defending Ramasir, sought to attack the credibility of Parris as he cross-examined the witness. On several occasions during the questioning, Lalla sought assistance from Magistrate  Wellington to have Parris answer his questions. At one time Lalla told Parris, “You are not answering my questions.” The magistrate intervened and told the witness, “Take your time. Be specific in your answers.” Parris began his answer saying, “To the best of my recollection,” to which Lalla replied: “That is all I want from you.” Lalla will continue his cross-examination of Parris today at 1.15 pm, when hearing resumes.