Guyanese extradited to the US for fatal road accident

Last Updated on Thursday, 16 January 2025, 21:42 by Writer

Guyana on Wednesday extradited a Guyanese man, who allegedly caused the death of a man in a road accident in Florida while under the influence of alcohol, the Ministry of Home Affairs said.

Government said Parmanand Singh was extradited on Wednesday after he waived his right to an extradition hearing.

The Home Ministry said he consented to return to the United States to address judicial matters related to a fatal vehicular incident.

In September 2024, the Government of Guyana received a formal extradition request from the Government of the United States.

The Home Ministry said acting on this request, the Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Robeson Benn, signaled the Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty to initiate the legal proceedings required for extradition.

Mr Singh is accused of operating a motor vehicle while his blood-alcohol level exceeded the lawful limit, leading to impaired faculties.

He allegedly collided with another vehicle, resulting in the death of its sole occupant. Following the accident, Singh sustained injuries and received medical treatment at Broward Health Medical Center in Florida.

Guyanese authorities said during his treatment, two blood samples were lawfully obtained and analyzed for alcohol and/or drug levels. Laboratory tests revealed blood alcohol concentrations of 0.157 g/dL and 0.158 g/dL, significantly exceeding Florida’s legal limit of 0.08 g/dL for operating a motor vehicle.

The prosecution team representing the interests of the United States included Ms. Lisa Cave, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions at the Director of Public Prosecutions Chambers; Ms. Ormella Gladstone, Treaty Officer at the Ministry of Home Affairs, and Sergeant Stephan Hinds from the Major Crimes Unit, who served as the investigating officer.

On January 3, 2025, Singh was committed to custody for extradition by the Chief Magistrate. He remained in custody until his extradition was completed on January 15, 2025.

“This successful extradition underscores Guyana’s commitment to international cooperation and its resolve to ensure that justice is served across borders,” the Home Affairs Ministry said.