2 testify in ‘Balo’ murder inquiry

Despite several complaints by defence attorney Theodore Guerra SC, that the State was “padding witnesses” and playing for time, State prosecutor Jennifer Martin maintained the witness would come to court in due course, adding that there was nothing she could do about it because it was a matter of national security.

She assured the court that there would be other witnesses to give evidence when the matter is called.

Two police officers — WPC Rachel Rigsby of the Homicide Bureau and PC Ricky Holman of Barataria CID, gave evidence yesterday. Rigsby, under cross-examination by accused Doreen Alexander Durity, was accused of lying on oath.

Durity, the sole woman among the ten charged with Maharaj’s murder, told the officer: “You are lying, but soon the truth will be revealed.”

The 40-year-old woman is jointly charged with Anderson Straker, 32; Zion Clarke, 27; soldiers’ Cpl Ricardo Stevenson, Private Ricardo De Four and Sgt Leon Nurse, Kevon Nixon, brothers Wayne and Kenneth Pierre and Kevon De Merieux.

Maharaj, 62, was kidnapped outside Samaan Tree Bar in El Socorro on April 5, 2005. His remains were found in the Santa Cruz forest on January 8. Hearing resumes today.