Guyana extradites fugitive Parmanand Singh to US
The Government of Guyana yesterday extradited Parmanand Singh, a citizen of Guyana, to the United States of America (USA).
A release today from the Ministry of Home Affairs 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.
In September 2024, the Government of Guyana received a formal extradition request from the Government of the United States. Acting on this request, Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, signalled 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. He 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, the release said.
During his treatment, 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 the Chief Magistrate (ag). The prosecution team representing the interests of the United States included Lisa Cave, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions at the Director of Public Prosecutions Chambers; 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 the Chief Magistrate (ag). He remained in custody until his extradition was completed on January 15, 2025.
This successful extradition underscores Guyana’s commitment to international cooperation and its resolve to ensure that justice is served across borders, the release said.
