2 Essequibo Coast men fined $100,000 each for DUI

…3rd denied charge, released on $50,000 bail

Jason Persaud, Ian Caravan and Kellim Benjamin appeared on Wednesday before Suddie Magistrate Tamieka Clarke to answer charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, contrary to Section 39(A)(1) of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 51:02.
The charge against Persaud detailed that the 26-year-old businessman of Charity Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast was driving a motor vehicle along the La Belle Alliance Public Road, Essequibo Coast on February 7 while his breath alcohol level exceeded the prescribed limit.
Persaud pleaded guilty to the charge and was fined $100,000, in default of which he faces three months’ imprisonment.
The charge against Caravan, a 46-year-old taxi driver of Lot 10 Richmond, Essequibo Coast, detailed that he operated a motor vehicle along the Reliance Public Road, Essequibo Coast on February 7, 2025 while his breath alcohol level exceeded the legal alcohol limit.
He likewise pleaded guilty and was fined $100,000, with the alternative of serving three months’ imprisonment if the fine is not paid.
Kellim Benjamin, a 29-year-old labourer of Lima Sand, Essequibo Coast, was charged with the same offence, which allegedly took place on January 25, 2025 along the Anna Regina Access Road.
Unlike the other two defendants, Benjamin pleaded not guilty to the charge, and was placed on $50,000 bail. His case has been adjourned to March 5.