Guyana extradites fugitive to US over DUI death

The Guyana government has extradited Parmanand Singh, a Guyanese citizen, to the United States of America (USA) to answer charges pertaining to vehicular accident which he is alleged to have caused while driving under the influence of alcohol.

A statement from the Ministry of Home Affairs said that Singh was extradited to the US on Wednesday, January 15. The Ministry said that Singh waived his right to an extradition hearing and consented to return to the USA to address judicial matters related to a fatal vehicular incident.

The Ministry reported that in September of last year, the Guyana government received a formal extradition request from the US government. “Acting on this request, the Honourable Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Robeson Benn, signaled the Chief Magistrate (ag) Faith Mc Gusty to initiate the legal proceedings required for extradition.”

Singh is accused of operating a motor vehicle while his blood-alcohol level exceeded the lawful limit, leading to impaired faculties. The man is alleged to have collided with another vehicle, resulting in the death of its sole occupant. Following the accident, Singh sustained injuries and received medical treatment at Broward Health Medical Center in Florida.

It was during his treatment, that two blood samples were lawfully obtained and analyzed for alcohol and/or drug levels. Laboratory tests revealed blood alcohol concentrations of 0.157 g/dL and 0.158 g/dL, significantly exceeding Florida’s legal limit of 0.08 g/dL for operating a motor vehicle.

Singh’s arrest was executed under a warrant issued by Chief Magistrate (ag) Faith Mc Gusty. The prosecution team representing the interests of the United States included Ms. Lisa Cave, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions at the Director of Public Prosecutions Chambers; Ms. Ormella Gladstone, Treaty Officer at the Ministry of Home Affairs; and Sergeant Stephan Hinds from the Major Crimes Unit, who served as the investigating officer. On January 3, 2025, Singh was committed to custody for extradition by Chief Magistrate (ag) Faith Mc Gusty. He remained in custody until his extradition was completed on January 15.

The Home Affairs Ministry noted that the successful extradition of the wanted man “underscores Guyana’s commitment to international cooperation and its resolve to ensure that justice is served across borders.”