Financial Analyst dies in Mabura accident; President expresses sadness

Economic and Financial Analyst attached to the Ministry of Finance and Treasurer of the Guyana Cricket Board, Pretipaul Jaigobin, died on Thursday as the vehicle he was travelling in toppled several times after the driver lost control. The accident occurred around 15:00h.

Jaigobin, 54, of Low Lands, East Coast Demerara, and three other persons were travelling in a black Toyota Tundra along the Mahdia access road about five kilometres from the Mabura Police Outpost when the accident occurred.

Jaigobin, who only Monday last was elected to serve on the new Guyana Cricket Board executive, was pronounced dead at the Linden Hospital Complex.

The other occupants- driver, Nand Singh, 44, of 111 Miles, Mahdia; Franky Wessel Trotz, 29, of Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara; and Ravie Gayadean, 25, of Zeelugt, West Coast Demerara- all received injuries.

Singh and Gayadean were admitted and their condition is said to be stable.

According to a police report, Trotz related he was in the cab of the said vehicle, which was heading to Mabura, when the driver lost control causing the vehicle to topple several times before coming to a halt.

Meanwhile, President Irfaan Ali expressed sadness at the “tragic death” of Jaigobin. The Head-of-State had worked along with Jaigobin at the Ministry of Finance.

President Ali said: “He was coordinating the second phase of the COVID-19 cash grant. In this phase he was training staff on the verification of the pink form. Since the commencement of this programme Jai worked beyond the call of duty to bring relief to every family. I ask all the families who benefited from the work of this outstanding public servant, and all other Guyanese, to hold this family up in prayers in their moment of grief. To the extended family at the Ministry of Finance, I share your grief and shock. I cherish the moments we worked together at the Ministry of Finance. I thank his family for sharing this incredible soul with us. Rest In Peace Jai.”

In 2010, Jaigobin, the then Assistant Treasurer of the Guyana Cricket Board, was doused with acid in the face at Strathspey, East Coast Demerara, where he had stopped to make a purchase.