The absence of the lawyers presiding in the Shaka Blair Coroner’s Inquest prevented it from restarting yesterday at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court

The inquest came to an abrupt halt last year when some of the witnesses, notably Steve Merai, the then Senior Superintendent and former head of the Target Special Squad, left the jurisdiction.

For several months, the Coroner, Magistrate Brassington Reynolds along with the attorneys looking into the interests of Blair’s wife, Basil Williams and Raphael Trotman were told that Merai was unavailable.

However, he has since returned and indicated his readiness to complete the inquest.

Blair, a former member of the Guyana Defence Force was shot and killed on April 6, 2001 by members of the TSS in his Middle Walk Buxton home. Three police officers have since testified in the case. They have all concluded that Blair had first opened fire on them. The officers are Merai, Keswin Benjamin and Sean Belfield.

Blair’s reputed wife, Susan Ragnauth, who now lives overseas, had also given testimony. She said Blair was shot and killed in cold blood.

Yesterday members of the jury and Reynolds were present to continue with the inquest but lawyers for the deceased and the police were not present. Speaking to Stabroek News, Magistrate Reynolds said apart from Merai one other person is to be examined.

He said once this was done he would make his final submissions after which the jury would rule.