Relatives of father of 2 killed along Lusignan Public Road seek justice

A 43-year-old labourer and father of two was on Sunday evening struck down and killed along Lusignan Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD), while reportedly on his way home for dinner. Dead is Arvindo Mahaballi of Lusignan. Police said the accident occurred at about 19:18h and involved motor car PAK 2521, driven by a 28-year-old taxi driver of Buxton, ECD. Initial investigations revealed that the vehicle was proceeding west along the northern driving lane of the southern carriageway when it collided with Mahaballi, who was reportedly crossing the roadway at the time.

The man sustained multiple injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by a doctor attached to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). His body was later escorted to Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where it awaits a post-mortem examination. When Guyana Times visited the grieving family, relatives said they were at home when they received word that an accident had occurred along the public road and Mahaballi was the victim. A family member explained that Mahaballi, who did carpentry and other odd jobs to support his household, had gone earlier in the day to clean a drain on the other side of the village. He had not eaten and was reportedly heading home for dinner when he was struck down.

Relatives said they were told it was a hit-and-run, as the driver allegedly fled the scene. However, a side mirror from the vehicle reportedly fell off during the collision, enabling investigators to obtain the registration number and trace the driver. The family is taking the loss very hard, describing his death as sudden and devastating. They also raised concerns about speeding along the East Coast roads, contending that motorists frequently traverse the roadway at high speeds. Family members believe that if the mirror had not fallen off, it might have been more difficult to identify the driver. They are calling for justice. Mahaballi leaves behind two daughters, ages 17 and 12, who relatives said are struggling to cope with the loss. Family members disclosed that he and the children’s mother were separated, and the girls had been living with him. He was said to have been their primary provider, contributing to their daily needs and ensuring they were cared for. Relatives said the children have been inconsolable since learning of their father’s death. Police confirmed that a breathalyser test conducted on the driver recorded readings of 0.032 per cent and 0.029 per cent blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The vehicle has been lodged pending examination, and the driver remains in custody assisting with investigations. Investigations are ongoing.