Region 2 RDC driver slapped with drunk driving charge

A 44-year-old driver attached to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) in Anna Regina, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) has been charged with driving while his breath alcohol level exceeded the prescribed limit following a fatal accident on the Lima Sands Access Road, Essequibo Coast. Eickey Persaud of Cotton Field, Essequibo Coast, was charged under Section 39A (1) of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 51:02, as amended by the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Amendment Act 17 of 2022. The charge stems from an incident that occurred on February 22. Police said a breathalyser test conducted on Persaud recorded readings of 67, 75 and 73 micrograms of alcohol in his breath. The prescribed legal limit was exceeded, resulting in the charge. The case was heard on February 26 at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir and the charge was read to Persaud, who pleaded not guilty. Bail was granted in the sum of $200,000 and his driver’s licence was suspended pending the outcome of the trial.

The matter was adjourned to March 13. The charge follows a collision that claimed the life of a teenager and left another injured. Reports indicate that at about 20:00h on Sunday, February 22, motorcar PAD 3341, owned and driven by Persaud, was proceeding south along the western side of the Lima Sands Access Road when it became involved in a collision with an unregistered motorcycle travelling north along the same lane. According to police enquiries, the motorcycle was being ridden without lights at the time of the collision. Investigators said neither the motorcyclist nor the pillion rider was wearing a safety helmet.

The collision occurred in the centre of the access road. Both riders were thrown onto the roadway and sustained injuries. They were assisted by public-spirited citizens and transported to the Lima Regional Hospital. The motorcyclist, Sudesh Ram John of Lima Sands, Essequibo Coast, was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. The pillion rider, 21-year-old Satesh Persaud, also of Lima Sands, was examined and admitted as a patient.
Investigations into fatal accident are still ongoing.