Corentyne hit and run: Driver slapped with 2 counts of causing death, 3 other charges

A 37-year-old driver was on Tuesday remanded to prison for causing the deaths of two persons who were killed in a hit-and-run accident along the Number 70 Public Road on Friday evening last.

Vivendra Ramdharry of Number 69 Village, Corentyne, was slapped with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving, two counts of failing to render assistance and one count of failing to stop after accident.
He appeared at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Alex Moore and was not required to plead to the causing death charges. However, he pleaded not guilty to failing to render assistance and failing to stop after accident.
Ramdharry was represented by Attorney-at-Law Bernard DaSilva.
It is alleged at on March 18, 2022, Ramdharry drove motor van PVV 1015 in a dangerous manner causing the death of 28-year-old Felicia Fernandes of Coveden, East Bank Demerara (EBD), and Toney Lakeram, 19, of Number 71 Village, Corentyne.

Police prosecutor, Corporal Winston Poliah objected to bail saying that the accused rendered no assistance after hitting the duo.
He told the court that Ramdharry, rather than taking the two injured persons to seek medical attention, went home and changed vehicles, and made his way to Georgetown.

He pointed out that Ramdharry was arrested by Police in Division 4 and handed over to the Police in B Division.
On the other hand, Attorney-at-Law Bernard DaSilva told the court that his client travelled to Georgetown to meet him while a relative in Berbice made the report at Springlands Police Station.
“Ramdharry is not a flight risk and should be granted bail,” DaSilva told the court while noting that the accused’s relatives are currently negotiating with the relatives of the deceased.
The lawyer also sought the court’s permission to grant the relatives of deceased time to share their sentiments of granting bail.
Permission was granted and an uncle of Lakeram told the court, “I think you should put he on bail because the family come forward and they were nice”.
On the other hand, Fernandes’s mother also indicated to the court that bail should be granted.
Nevertheless, Magistrate Moore said he has to protect both sides and was looking into the interest of the deceased, thus bail was denied.
Ramdharry will have to return to court on April 14, when the matter comes up for a Police progress report.