Two men of Amerindian descent from the Rupununi appeared before Magistrate Omadatt Chandan at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, May 21, 2026, and pleaded guilty to a series of traffic offences, resulting in combined fines totalling $245,000.
Elian Barreto — Seven Charges, $135,000 in Fines
Elian Barreto of Quarrie Village Central, Rupununi, was arrested and charged in connection with offences committed on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, on Airport Road, Lethem, while driving motorcycle CP 4804.
Barreto pleaded guilty to all seven charges before the court, which included driving with a breath alcohol level exceeding the prescribed limit, operating an unlicensed and uninsured motor vehicle, driving without a licence, failure to stop when directed by a police constable, and a breach of vehicle maintenance regulations.
The court imposed the following fines: $50,000 or five weeks imprisonment for the drink-driving offence; $25,000 or two weeks for driving without a licence; $25,000 or two weeks for operating an uninsured vehicle; $10,000 or one week each for the uncertified vehicle, unlicensed vehicle, and failure to stop charges; and $5,000 or one week for the vehicle maintenance breach.
Barreto’s total fines amount to $135,000, or 13 weeks imprisonment if unpaid.
Lawrence Pedro — Two Charges, $110,000 in Fines
Lawrence Pedro of Tabatinga Central, Rupununi, was arrested and charged in connection with offences committed on Saturday, May 16, 2026, on the Tabatinga Public Road, while driving motor pick-up NUL 78C95.
Pedro pleaded guilty to driving with a breath alcohol level exceeding the prescribed limit and failing to behave in a civil and orderly manner.
The court fined him $100,000 or four months imprisonment for the drink-driving charge, and $10,000 or one week imprisonment for the disorderly conduct offence.
Pedro’s total fines amount to $110,000, or 18 weeks imprisonment if unpaid.
