The family of Satesh “Toney” Persaud of Reliance, Essequibo Coast, is calling for justice weeks after he was killed in an accident on the public road of the community in which he resided.
Persaud, who is survived by his wife, Alita Atkinson, and several children, including a disabled daughter, was known as a hardworking, family-oriented man, relatives said. The accident occurred on 27 June, the same day he was expected to return to work in the Pomeroon.
Relatives said a wardrobe Persaud had purchased was delivered to his home that day, and he left on his motorcycle to collect a workman to help move the furniture. He was struck by motor car PAB 8929 at around 1:30pm while crossing the road, with family members alleging the vehicle was travelling at high speed.
Persaud was thrown about 50 feet from the point of impact, relatives said. He was taken to Lima Regional Hospital by concerned citizens, where he was pronounced dead.
A post-mortem found Persaud suffered two skull fractures, a broken left shoulder, spinal cord damage, spleen injuries and multiple internal injuries, and concluded he died from trauma sustained in the crash.
Police arrested the driver after a breathalyser test allegedly detected 48 micrograms of alcohol in his breath, 12 micrograms above the legal limit. He was charged with driving under the influence and released on $200,000 station bail. The vehicle, initially impounded, has since been released to the accused.
No further charges have been laid, and the family has been told the case file has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice. They are calling for a thorough and transparent legal process, saying Persaud’s loved ones deserve answers and accountability.
