Brother of Chutney Singer dies after struck by speeding GDF rank

A 28-year-old member of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) who is attached to the Coast Guard has been arrested following a road accident which resulted in the death of Roopchand Ramkellawan, police said.

Ramkellawan, 35, of Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), was the brother of popular Guyanese Chutney singer, Mahendra Ramkellawan who is known for hit songs like “Dem a Watch Meh” and “Buss a Tune”.

News Room understands that the man was stopped at a police road block on the De Willem Public Road, West Coast Demerara (WCD) around 22:20hrs Sunday night.

As he was crossing the road to meet with the police officers, he was struck down by a speeding car. He was rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital in an unconscious state where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

An unlicensed pistol with four live rounds were found in his possession, a statement from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) said.

The statement also revealed that a ‘gazetted officer of the Joint Services’ of South Ruimveldt Gardens, Georgetown was driving the motorcar PWW 5680 which struck the man down.

A breathalyzer test showed that the driver’s alcohol level was above the legal limit, police said.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Defence Force in a statement identified the rank as Lieutenant (Coast Guard) Eson Trim. The GDF said he is assisting the police with their investigations.

“The Chief of Staff, Officers and Ranks of the Guyana Defence Force regret this unfortunate incident and extend our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased,” the GDF statement noted.