Driver charged with causing cyclist’s death, fleeing scene after Fort Canje accident

A Berbice man was yesterday faced with four charges after he fatally struck a New Amsterdam woman along the Fort Canje Public Road on Saturday night.

Sasenarine Jairam, 34, of Lot 35 North Road New Amsterdam appear-ed before Magistrate Peter Hugh at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

He was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, failing to render assistance, failing to stop after an accident and breaching restriction to home.

The accident occurred at a time when both Jairam and the deceased should have been at home under the national curfew that has been implemented to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Jairam was not required to enter a plea on the charge of causing death by dangerous driving and pleaded not guilty to the other charges. 

He was placed on $300,000 bail on the causing death by dangerous driving charge, $15,000 bail on each of the other charges.

He is to return to court on June 16 for reports.

Raquel Edwards, 39, a clothes vendor, of Smithfield, New Amster-dam, was returning home on her pedal cycle after visiting some friends when she was struck by a car PNN 3631, which was being driven by Jairam.

A post-mortem examination has found that Edwards died as a result of multiple injuries sustained.

According to a police statement, last Saturday evening sometime before 9 pm, the car was proceeding east along the northern carriageway of the road, reportedly at a fast rate of speed, “and according to the driver whilst negotiating a right bend the pedal cyclist who was said to be proceeding in the same direction suddenly turned right into his path and a collision occurred.”

Edwards was rushed to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital in an unconscious state where she succumbed to her injuries two hours after.

Meanwhile, Jairam, who fled the scene of the accident, was arrested shortly afterward.