RAMESH Kanhai was, on Friday, charged with causing death by dangerous driving in connection with a fatal road accident on the East Bank Essequibo earlier this year.
Kanhai was charged under Section 35(1) of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 51:02, as amended by Act No. 16 of 1998.
The charge stems from an accident which occurred around 19:00hrs on March 9, 2026, at Barnwell Public Road, East Bank Essequibo.
Police said the accident involved minibus BAG 2484, which was being driven by Kanhai, and motorcycle CR 487, operated by Angel Luis Herrera Alvardo.
Angel Merchan, who was riding pillion on the motorcycle, died as a result of the collision.
Kanhai appeared at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court No. 2 on Friday, where the charge was read to him before Magistrate Omadatt Chandan.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted $500,000 cash bail.
As part of his bail conditions, Kanhai was ordered to report to the Parika Police Station every Friday. His driver’s licence was also lodged with the court.
The matter was adjourned to October 28, 2026.
According to information gathered during the initial investigation, the collision occurred after the motorcycle, which was travelling west, crossed into the path of the oncoming minibus.
The minibus was proceeding east along Barnwell Public Road when the motorcycle reportedly moved onto the northern side of the roadway and struck the vehicle on its right front section.
The force of the collision sent both occupants of the motorcycle flying into a yard adjoining the roadway. They suffered severe injuries and were subsequently transported to the De Kinderen Regional Hospital by members of the public.
However, Merchan succumbed to injuries and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the medical facility.
In the aftermath of the crash, the minibus driver underwent a breathalyser examination, which did not detect any alcohol in his system.