1 year later: Family of dentist killed in Waller’s Delight accident still awaiting justice

One year after 40-year-old dentist Abdool Sharaf Rahim was struck down and killed along the Waller’s Delight Public Road, West Coast Demerara (WCD), his widow says the family is still waiting for justice. Rahim, who was employed by the Health Ministry and attached to the BV Health Centre on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) died in the early hours of February 24, 2025, after being hit by a motorcar along the WCD Public Road. Investigators were told that Rahim had attempted to retrieve his car keys from his wife, 32-year-old Sonia Ramlochan, who refused because he was intoxicated. According to the police report, Rahim became annoyed, walked across the road from south to north, and stood in the path of an approaching vehicle with his hands raised. The driver, identified as 43-year-old Ashley Raymond, allegedly told police that the area was dark and that, due to the close distance, the right front side of the vehicle collided with Rahim. He was flung into the air, struck the windscreen and fell onto the roadway.

Rahim was transported to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) where he was pronounced dead on arrival. However, speaking with Guyana Times, Ramlochan said that one year later, the case has seen repeated delays in the court system. She disclosed that she has attended three consecutive court hearings, only to be told that her case file, including her statement, could not be located. On each occasion, the matter was adjourned to another date. Ramlochan further alleged that the defendant was granted bail in the sum of $350,000 at each court appearance. She also claimed that prior to the first court hearing, the defendant contacted her seeking to settle the matter for $400,000. She said she rejected the offer. “My husband is not an animal for his case to be settled at that amount of money. All I want is fair justice for my husband,” she told Guyana Times. Rahim leaves behind four children, aged 12, 11, 9, and 2. One of the children is preparing to write the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) this year. According to Ramlochan, since her husband’s death, she has struggled to provide for the children on her own. “He was the breadwinner. Since he died, life has not been the same,” she said. Rahim was described as a devoted father and healthcare professional who was committed to serving patients at the BV Health Centre. They say the continued adjournments have prolonged the family’s grief and uncertainty. The family is now calling on the relevant authorities to ensure that the matter proceeds without further delay and that justice is served. Police have not provided an updated statement on the status of the investigation.