Venezuelan woman charged with conspiracy to falsify birth records

A 28-year-old Venezuelan national who has been living and working in Guyana for the past seven years was on Friday charged with conspiracy to falsify official registration information.
Zulianny Maria Ledera, of DD Bent Street, Georgetown, appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, where the charge was read to her with the assistance of a Spanish translator.

It is alleged that between July 1 and September 27, 2004, Ledera conspired with another person to make a false declaration on a registration form, claiming that she was born in Guyana, knowing that the information was untrue.
Ledera, who has been employed as a waitress at Palm Court for the past three years, was represented by attorney-at-law Stacy Goodings.
During her court appearance, Ledera became visibly emotional, breaking down in tears as the charge was explained to her in Spanish. When asked by the magistrate whether she was guilty or not guilty, she repeatedly responded, “no”, according to the translator, but was unable to clearly state a plea.
After several attempts, the magistrate entered a not guilty plea on her behalf.
Goodings, however, told the court that her client has been residing in Guyana for seven years and denied any involvement in the alleged conspiracy. The lawyer further explained that Ledera rents a home and possesses a tenancy agreement, although some of her documents could not be immediately located by her partner.
The magistrate enquired whether Ledera had any form of legal identification or residency documents, but none were produced during the hearing.
Goodings requested reasonable bail, emphasising that her client is gainfully employed and has established ties within the country.
Bail was set in the sum of $150,000, and Ledera was ordered to report to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters on the second and fourth Monday of every month until the matter is resolved. She will make her next court appearance on November 7, 2025.