No extraditions from Guyana to US in 2024 – Home Affairs Ministry clarifies

In light of the recent incidents involving the arrests of wanted men for crimes in the United States (US), the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) clarified that the suspects chose to return voluntarily to face prosecution and were not extradited as was reported in sections of the media.
The Ministry explained that extradition involves a formal legal process, requiring an official request from one government to another, which was not the case for these individuals.
According to the Ministry, the three individuals were fugitives with outstanding warrants in the US and were arrested by the Guyana Police Force (GPF). Each of these fugitives chose to return voluntarily to the U.S. to face their charges, rather than remain in Guyana and face deportation.

“To clarify, there have been no extraditions from Guyana to the United States this year,” the statement from the Ministry stated. “These individuals voluntarily chose to leave Guyana and return to the United States to face the charges against them. The term ‘extradition’ was incorrectly used in this context.”
The first individual, Quincy Patrick Hinds, left Guyana on May 11, 2024. Hinds had been charged in the Eastern District of New York in 2019 for conspiracy to import cocaine and conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute. After making an initial court appearance, Hinds fled to Guyana upon posting bond.
The second fugitive, Rakeem Antonio Gilgeours, departed Guyana on July 31, 2024. Gilgeours was wanted in Prince George’s County, Maryland, on charges including homicide and two counts of attempted murder.

The charges stem from a violent incident at a block party on July 4, 2024, where a dispute led to an exchange of gunfire, resulting in the death of a six-year-old child and injuries to two adults. Authorities identified Gilgeours as the shooter, and he fled to Guyana to avoid prosecution.
The third individual, Ravindra Dharamjit, left Guyana on August 13, 2024. Dharamjit was wanted in Queens, New York City, on charges of manslaughter in the second degree, criminally negligent homicide, and flight to avoid prosecution or giving testimony. These charges date back to offenses committed in 2019.
In their statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs stressed that none of these cases involved a formal extradition process.
Extradition typically involves a request from the government of the country where the charges have been laid to the government of the country where the individual is residing. In these instances, the US did not make any formal extradition requests to the Government of Guyana.
The Ministry underscored its commitment to transparency and accuracy in matters of public interest, aiming to correct any misunderstandings or misinformation. They reiterated that no extraditions have occurred between Guyana and the US in 2024, and all actions taken were in accordance with the law and standard procedures for handling foreign fugitives.
“The Ministry remains committed to transparency and accuracy in all matters of public interest”, the release stated.