Former Region Six Regional Executive Officer (REO) and political activist Dr. Veerasammy Ramayya was remanded to prison on Tuesday after being charged with causing death by dangerous driving in connection with an August accident that claimed the life of a 42-year-old Berbice businessman.
Ramayya, 79, of Whim Village, Corentyne, appeared before Magistrate Michelle Matthias at the Albion Magistrate’s Court, where he pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The allegation is that on August 8, 2026, Ramayya drove motor car PZZ 1906 dangerously along the Nigg Public Road, Corentyne, resulting in the death of businessman Ishwarnauth Bisram, popularly known as “Ajay”.
During Tuesday’s hearing, the prosecution opposed bail, raising concerns that Ramayya could leave Guyana before the matter is determined.
The court was informed that the former regional official reportedly had plans to travel overseas, prompting questions about whether he would remain available to attend future hearings.
In response, Ramayya told the magistrate that he intended to visit the United States to undergo medical examinations.
However, when asked to provide evidence of his scheduled medical appointments, he was unable to produce the necessary documentation.
He subsequently appealed to the court to consider his medical condition and grant bail under appropriate restrictions. Despite his request, Magistrate Matthias upheld the prosecution’s objections and ordered that he be remanded to prison.
The matter was adjourned until December 4, 2026. The charge follows an accident that occurred at approximately 9:55 p.m. on August 8, along the Nigg Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice.
According to the Guyana Police Force’s initial account, Ramayya was travelling east along the northern driving lane when Bisram reportedly attempted to cross the roadway from south to north.
Investigators said the businessman entered the path of the approaching vehicle, and although the driver reportedly applied his brakes, the car struck Bisram.
The impact left the businessman with severe injuries. He was subsequently transported to the Port Mourant Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Bisram, who operated businesses in the Canje area, was a father of three and a resident of Cumberland, East Canje, Berbice.
His death left relatives demanding answers about the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Following the collision, police conducted a breathalyser test on Ramayya, which reportedly recorded 11 microgrammes of alcohol, below the prescribed legal limit.
Investigators also identified surveillance cameras in the area as part of their efforts to establish what transpired.
Ramayya was initially taken into police custody following the accident but was subsequently released on $200,000 station bail on August 12 while investigators sought legal advice.
The investigation file was later forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for consideration.
Ramayya, who previously served as Regional Executive Officer for East Berbice-Corentyne and has been involved in political activism, had earlier maintained that the collision was an unfortunate incident.
He had also disputed suggestions that he was driving under the influence of alcohol.
