Brothers Charged Following Violent Dispute Over Light Bill

July 11 2025

A bitter dispute between two brothers who share a Georgetown residence escalated into violence last month, resulting in both being hauled before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday.

Mark Edgill and his brother Fitzalbert Small appeared before Acting Magistrate Faith McGusty, each facing separate charges stemming from a June 9 altercation at their Campbellville, Georgetown home.

Edgill, a maintenance technician employed at Texila American University, was charged with felonious wounding. It is alleged that he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Small, causing him grievous bodily harm. He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

According to Small, the incident was rooted in an argument over a skyrocketing electricity bill, reportedly exceeding $100,000. Small, who is employed at the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), said he confronted his brother about contributing toward the bill.

He further alleged that Edgill had pointed GPL officials to him regarding the account when they visited the premises, prompting him to warn his brother not to involve him in such matters.

“He told them I work at GPL and told him he can’t do that because I am working there…”, the man said.

Small also said he previously attempted to ease tension by converting the household’s meter to a prepaid system, but conflict persisted. He said that it later led to a disagreement, which quickly turned violent.

He claimed Edgill during their argument, poured oil laced with pepper in his face, and then struck him in the head with a hammer. The attack left him with serious injuries and required multiple stitches. He said he was rushed to the hospital following the ordeal.

In court, he described a pattern of verbal abuse and intimidation by his brother, stating he now fears for his life. He said he often stays at a friend’s place to avoid confrontations and is so fearful that he only sleeps when his brother leaves for his night shift.

He added that Edgill had been preventing him from bringing a stove into his upstairs apartment. The stove, which Small said was purchased earlier this year, has been left to deteriorate in the yard.

In response, Edgill’s attorney, Audreanna Thompson requested reasonable bail, arguing that her client had no previous convictions or pending matters before the court.

She claimed Edgill acted in self-defense and suggested the issue was merely a family misunderstanding. The attorney further stated that Edgill was not a flight risk and that there had been no further incidents between the brothers since the altercation.

However, the prosecution revealed that both brothers had previously appeared in court earlier this year over another family dispute, which led to them being bonded to keep the peace.

Edgill was previously released on $30,000 station bail and was on Thursday granted $75,000 bail by the court.

Meanwhile, Small was also charged in relation to the June 9 incident. He is accused of assaulting Edgill and pleaded not guilty. He was granted $10,000 bail.

Both men are expected to return to court on August 8.