Latest update March 26th, 2025 6:54 AM
Latest News
- Rubio’s talks with Pres. Ali to focus heavily on oil and security threats from Venezuela—says US Special envoy
- ExxonMobil unlikely to reuse Guyana’s FPSOs in future projects
- Children among 62 killed as Israel pounds Gaza from north to south
- Pact signed for phase two of national healthcare initiative
- Missing man found dead in trench at Bee Hive
Former GWI driver jailed for causing death on Mandela Avenue
City Magistrate Judy Latchman sentenced a former Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) driver to 60 months imprisonment, after he was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving at the conclusion of a one-year long trial.
Dead: Claude McPherson
Shawn Ravindra Ramai, 28 of Lot 15 Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown, was found guilty as charged for the offence, which alleged that on February 26, 2014, he drove motor pick up PRR 2923 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Claude McPherson.
Further, Ramai was found guilty of failing to stop the vehicle after the accident, failing to render assistance to the deceased and failing to report the said accident to a police station within 24 hours of the said accident.
On these three charges he was fined $30,000 with an alternative of one month’s imprisonment.
Magistrate Latchman during her ruling said that the defendant falls below the classification of a skilled and competent driver. She took into consideration the mitigating factors raised by the defence lawyer of Ramai being married and the sole breadwinner of his family.
Before handing down the jail term, the Magistrate also considered the prevalence in the numbers of road deaths.
The matter was prosecuted by Police Inspector Vishnu Hunt while the defence was led by Attorney-at-Law Mr. Fazil Azeez. During the trial, a number of witnesses were called to testify, inclusive of police ranks and civilians.
Subsequent to the sentencing, Ramai’s lawyer indicated that he will appeal the matter.
Ramai made his first court appearance on March 6, 2014 before the said Magistrate and pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was released on $2M bail on that occasion.
According to reports, Mc Pherson was riding his bicycle on Mandela Avenue, when he was struck by the SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) and dragged about 100 yards from the point of impact. He was found severely injured with his mangled bicycle in front of a shop. The father of six died a few hours after the accident at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
Ramai, the driver fled the scene after the accident and reportedly parked the damaged vehicle at the GWI Vlissengen Road and Church Street compound. He turned himself over to the police less than one week after the fatality.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
No such common ground exists
Peeping Tom… The President of Guyana’s response, regarding today’s planned talks with the United States Secretary... more
The Caribbean: Destined to Grin and Bear the Consequences of Its Self-Created Vulnerabilities?
By Sir Ronald Sanders For decades, many Caribbean nations have grappled with dependence on a small number of powerful countries... more
Weekend Cartoon
