A 25-year-old videographer was, on Monday, charged with three offences under the Civil Aviation Act in connection with the alleged unlawful operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), commonly known as a drone.
Dwayne Ross, of Princess Street, Georgetown, appeared at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Ravindranauth Singh, where the charges were read to him.
Ross was charged with unlawful operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle, contrary to Section 6(e) of the Civil Aviation Act 2018; unlawful operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle, contrary to Section 6(d) of the Act; and failure to obtain authorisation to operate an aircraft, contrary to Section 92 of the Civil Aviation Act 2018.
The charges are related to allegations that Ross operated a drone without the required authorisation, operated the UAV over the residence of President Dr Irfaan Ali without permission, and operated the aircraft at night in breach of directives issued by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
Ross pleaded not guilty to all three charges.
He was granted bail in the sum of $200,000 on each charge, amounting to a total of $600,000.
As conditions of his bail, Ross is required to report to the police once monthly and lodge his passport with the court.
The matters were adjourned to September 30, 2026, for a report.
Ross reportedly performs videography work for U.S.-indicted and sanctioned businessman and Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed. However, the charges before the court relate specifically to the alleged operation of the unmanned aerial vehicle.