A 52-year-old East Bank Demerara (EBD) man has been remanded to prison after being charged in connection with the fatal crash that claimed the life of teacher Tineka Hicks earlier this month.
William Gomes, of Diamond, appeared before Magistrate Wanda Fortune at the Diamond/Grove Magistrates’ Courts, where he was charged with causing death by dangerous driving.
The charge is indictable, and Gomes was not required to enter a plea. He was remanded to prison, and the matter was adjourned to July 7, 2026, for disclosure of statements.
The charge stems from a deadly accident that occurred around 08:30 hrs on Tuesday, June 16, along the Diamond New Interlink Road during heavy rainfall.
Hicks, 30, a teacher attached to Dolphin Secondary School and a resident of Great Diamond, was a passenger in minibus BAH 4679 when the vehicle reportedly overturned and ended up in a roadside drain.
Police allege that Gomes was driving north along the western carriageway when he attempted to overtake another vehicle despite the wet condition of the roadway.
Investigators further reported that the driver lost control of the minibus, which toppled onto its right side, skidded off the road, and plunged into the drain.
Hicks, who was affectionately known as “Precious,” became trapped in the wreckage and sustained severe injuries. She was later pronounced dead by a doctor after Emergency Medical Technicians responded and removed the injured occupants from the vehicle.
Six other passengers, including three students and three adults, were also injured. They were taken to the Diamond Regional Hospital, where they were treated and later discharged.
Police previously said Gomes was subjected to a breathalyser test following the crash, and no alcohol was detected in his system. The case will continue on July 7.
