Parris endures fourth day of cross-examination

THE criminal record of Shawn Parris, who is serving a life sentence for killing Dr Chandra Naraynsingh, was the subject of intense cross-examination yesterday during continuing hearing into the Preliminary Inquiry into her death. On the witness stand for the fourth consecutive day, Parris declined to answer some questions put to him by a defence attorney and on eight occasions was put out of court and hearing for Deputy Chief Magistrate Mark Wellington to resolve certain issues.

Parris is the State’s “star” witness in the inquiry, in which Prof Vijay Naraynsingh, present wife Seromanie Maharaj-Naraynsingh and businessman Elton Ramasir are charged with Chandra’s killing. Chandra was the professor’s second wife and she was killed on June 29, 1994. Attorney Prakash Ramadhar, defending Seeromanie, asked Parris questions relating to certain alleged criminal conduct of the witness. Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard objected several times to such questions being asked on the grounds that the witness’ answers may incriminate him. Wellington allowed Ramadhar to ask the questions but advised Parris he was not obligated to answer if he did not wish to do so. Parris declined to answer the question put to him.

After another objection was made by the prosecution concerning Ramadhar’s line of questioning, the defence attorney said, “If I do what the prosecution wants, I might as well send my client to the gallows. I am not asking the question how Gaspard wants me to.” Parris was also questioned in detail about certain documents sent to the DPP’s office. Gaspard objected again. Queens Counsel Karl Hudson Phillips, who is defending Naraynsingh, asked if there was any written agreement between Junior Morris, Shawn Parris and the DPP “in respect to this matter.” Gaspard responded that there was no such agreement. Cross-examination of Parris will continue today.