Fmr Magistrates, Deputy Mayor among six charged for breaching COVID-19 restrictions

Two former Magistrates Chandra Sohan and Charlyn Artiga along with the Deputy Mayor of New Amsterdam Wainwright McIntosh are among six persons who were charged on Tuesday for breaching the COVID-19 restrictions in Region 6, East Berbice Corentyne by attending a party at the home of well-known contractor Rafeek Kassim.

The charge read that on July 29, a party was allegedly held at the home of Kassim of Number 2 Village, East Canje which is in contravention of the COVID-19 emergency measures.

However, Kassim is contending that he is unaware of any event on July 29 but noted that on July 28, there was a meeting at his home with members of the New Amsterdam Rotary Club to discuss plans for the distribution of hampers in the Region.

The others who were charged include Attorney-at-Law Ramesh Rajkumar and businessman Kris Jagdeo.

The six appeared before Magistrate Peter Hugh where they pleaded not guilty and were released on their own recognizance.

The News Room was told even though Attorney Rajkumar was charged, he was not in the district on the day in question.

They are slated to re-appear in court on August 20, 2020. The prominent individuals were represented by Attorney at Law Horacio Edmonson.