The Government of Guyana on Thursday announced that it has extradited Parmanand Singh, a citizen of Guyana, to the United States of America (USA) on Wednesday.
Parmanand Singh has been extradited to the USA
Singh is wanted in that country in connection with a vehicular fatality, and the Home Affairs Ministry has said he waived his right to an extradition hearing and consented to return to the USA to address judicial matters related to a fatal vehicular incident.
In September 2024, the Guyana Government received a formal extradition request for Singh from the Government of the United States. Acting on this request, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn signalled Chief Magistrate (ag) Faith McGusty to initiate legal proceedings required for the extradition.
Parmanand Singh is accused of operating a white 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe while his blood-alcohol level exceeded the lawful limit, leading to impaired faculties. He collided head-on with a black Nissan after driving the wrong way, resulting in the death of Sérgio Gadelha.
Police in Florida reported that Gadelha died shortly after 23:00h on January 23, 2021, along North University Drive, near Northwest 42 Place.
“Gadelha suffered multiple blunt force trauma injuries resulting in his death,” Sunrise Officer Thomas Nelson wrote in his 2021 arrest report.
A toxicology report revealed that Singh had also consumed fentanyl, cocaine, tramadol, opiates, and marijuana, police have said.
Singh sustained injuries in that accident and received medical treatment at Broward Health Medical Center in Florida, during which two blood samples were lawfully obtained and analyzed for alcohol and/or drug levels. Laboratory tests revealed blood-alcohol concentrations of 0.157 g/dL and 0.158 g/dL, significantly exceeding Florida’s legal limit of 0.08 g/dL for operating a motor vehicle.
Singh’s arrest was executed under a warrant issued by Chief Magistrate (ag) Faith Mc Gusty. The prosecution team representing the interests of the United States included Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions at the Director of Public Prosecutions Chambers, Lisa Cav; Treaty Officer at the Home Affairs Ministry, Ormella Gladstone and Sergeant Stephan Hinds from the Major Crimes Unit, who served as the investigating officer.
On January 3, 2025, Chief Magistrate (ag) Faith McGusty committed Singh to custody for extradition. He remained in custody until his extradition was completed on Wednesday.
“This successful extradition underscores Guyana’s commitment to international cooperation, and its resolve to ensure that justice is served across borders,” the Home Affairs Ministry said on Thursday.
On Thursday local10.com, a Florida-based news agency, reported that Singh was at the main jail in Fort Lauderdale without bond. He is facing eight charges: two counts of DUI causing death, vehicular homicide, two counts of DUI with damage, two counts of reckless driving, and driving with a suspended licence.
