Accused pleads guilty to manslaughter of GRA employee

January 29 2025

Rawle Lamaison, 46, has entered a guilty plea to manslaughter for the death of Guyana Revenue Authority employee Dwayne Daniel Taitt, bringing closure to the trial phase of a case that has been before the courts since 2021.

Lamaison was first arraigned in the Demerara High Court on a murder charge and denied responsibility when he appeared before Justice Gino Persaud.

He later returned to court and altered his plea, accepting guilt for the lesser offence.

The case is being prosecuted by state counsel Mtumika Lumumba. The court has scheduled sentencing for March 2026.

Taitt, who was 24 years old, resided in a rented apartment at a property owned by Lamaison’s mother on Middleton Street, Campbellville. The two men were familiar with each other because of the tenancy arrangement.

Police investigators said the deadly encounter followed a disagreement after Taitt was instructed to leave the apartment.

On the night of the incident, Taitt and members of his family were asleep when Lamaison reportedly went to the apartment and demanded that they vacate the premises.

Police stated that when Taitt opened the door, he noticed Lamaison holding a knife and immediately ran into the street opposite the building.

Lamaison allegedly followed him and inflicted a single stab wound to his chest before escaping with the weapon.

Taitt collapsed moments later and was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital by his partner, with assistance from a security guard.

Doctors pronounced him dead shortly after his arrival.

With Lamaison now admitting to manslaughter, the court will move directly to sentencing. A decision on the penalty he will face is expected when the matter resumes in March.