Bus driver ordered to surrender licence for killing elderly man

A 44-year-old minibus driver was on Monday ordered to post $500,000 bail and surrender his licence for allegedly causing the death of a 66 – year old man while driving under the influence of alcohol.

Seekumar Singh of Soesdyke Back Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD) appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on September 19 at Herstelling, EBD, he drove minibus BLL 4749 in a manner dangerous to the public and caused the death of Basil Rambarran, a labourer.

According to reports, the bus driver was proceeding south along Herstelling public road around 16:45hrs when Rambarran, who was on a bicycle, allegedly rode across the road from west to east and collided with the front of the vehicle.

As a result of the impact, the cyclist fell onto the road surface and was rushed to the Diamond Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The alcohol level of the minibus driver was tested and found to be exceedingly above the legal limit.

His lawyer, Mark Conway applied for reasonable bail; Police Prosecutor, Arwin Moore did not object.

The Chief Magistrate suspended Singh’s driver’s licence until the completion of the matter, which will be called again on October 30, for statements. He is expected to be charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and other traffic-related offences.