5 months after fatal EBE crash: Minibus driver slapped with causing death by dangerous driving charge

Five months after a fatal accident on the Barnwell Public Road, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), Ramesh Kanhai has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

Kanhai was charged on Friday under Section 35(1) of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 51:02, as amended by Act No. 16 of 1998.
The charge stems from a March 9, 2026 accident at about 19:00h involving minibus BAG 2484, driven by Kanhai, and motorcycle CR 487, driven by Angel Luis Herrera Alvardo, with pillion rider Angel Merchan, who died as a result of the collision.
Kanhai appeared on Friday at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court No. 2 before Magistrate Omadatt Chandan, where the charge was read to him. He pleaded not guilty and was granted $500,000 bail. Police did not say why the charge was instituted five months later.
As part of his bail conditions, Kanhai was ordered to report to the Parika Police Station every Friday of each month. His driver’s licence was also lodged with the court.
The matter was adjourned to October 28.
The Police report of the accident and subsequent death was filed on March 11, 2026.
Investigations at the time indicated that the minibus was travelling east along the northern side of Barnwell Public Road at a normal rate of speed, while the motorcycle was heading west along the southern side of the road at an alleged fast rate.
The motorcycle reportedly ended up on the northern lane and collided with the right-side front portion of the minibus.
The impact reportedly threw both riders from the motorcycle into a nearby yard. They sustained serious injuries and were taken by public-spirited citizens to the De Kinderen Regional Hospital.
Manchan was pronounced dead on arrival.
Following the accident, a breathalyser test conducted on the minibus driver showed no trace of alcohol in his system.