Seventy-nine-year-old former political activist and herbal doctor Veerasammy Ramayya appeared before the Albion Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, charged with causing death by dangerous driving.
He was remanded to prison in connection with a fatal accident that claimed the life of a Berbice businessman.
Ramayya, who resides at Whim Village, Corentyne, appeared before Magistrate Michelle Matthias and pleaded not guilty to the charge.
It stemmed from the August 8 collision along the Nigg Public Road, which claimed the life of 42-year-old businessman Ishwarnauth Bisram, also known as “Ajay”.
The prosecution objected to bail, raising concerns about Ramayya’s reported intention to travel overseas.
During the proceedings, Ramayya told the court that he intended to travel to the United States for medical examinations.
However, when questioned by the magistrate, he was unable to produce documentation confirming any scheduled appointments.
He reportedly raised concerns about his health and appealed for bail with conditions, but the court refused the request and ordered that he be remanded.
Ramayya is expected to return to court on December 4.
The charge stems from the nighttime collision that left Bisram dead and plunged his family in Cumberland, East Canje, into mourning.
According to information previously released by the Guyana Police Force, the accident occurred at approximately 21:55hrs on August 8 and involved motor car PZZ 1906, which was being driven by Ramayya.
Preliminary investigations indicated that Bisram was attempting to cross the Nigg Public Road when he allegedly entered the path of the approaching vehicle.
The driver reportedly applied his brakes but was unable to avoid striking him.
Bisram sustained severe injuries and was taken to the Port Mourant Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Following the accident, police administered a breathalyser test to Ramayya. The test reportedly registered 11 microgrammes of alcohol, a reading below the prescribed legal limit.
