Fugitive robbery convict nabbed in Suriname returns to serve 7-year sentence

After several years as a fugitive, Philbert McPherson—who was charged with armed robbery and firearms offences—has been arrested in Suriname and returned to Guyana following the issuance of an Interpol notice.

According to a report published by HGP Nightly News, McPherson, who fled the country while on High Court bail, had been sentenced in absentia to seven years’ imprisonment.

Police sources confirmed that he will now be escorted to prison to begin serving his sentence for robbery under arms and illegal possession of a firearm. Additional criminal matters involving the convicted man remain pending.

The charges against McPherson date back to 2018, when he appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Prosecutors alleged that he was found in possession of a pistol without a valid firearm licence and was also facing multiple counts of robbery under arms. Despite the seriousness of the charges, he was granted High Court bail, after which he absconded from the jurisdiction and travelled to Suriname.

His disappearance stalled local court proceedings and prompted Guyanese authorities to seek international law enforcement assistance, leading to his eventual arrest abroad.

McPherson was also named as a suspect in the 2019 murder of Collis Collison, also known as “Juvenile,” a former murder accused who was fatally shot on March 21, 2019, along Barr Street, Albouystown. Collison, 26, of William Street, Kitty and South Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, was shot in the chest while preparing to celebrate his birthday during Phagwah festivities.

Investigators had indicated at the time that the killing stemmed from a long-standing vendetta involving another former convict. Although no murder conviction has been secured in that matter, police have said the investigation remains active, and McPherson’s return places him once again within the reach of the local justice system.

Law enforcement officials stated that arrangements are being finalised to formally commit McPherson to prison, bringing an end to years of evasion and renewing scrutiny of unresolved violent crimes linked to his name.