Kwesi McKay, a 29-year-old vendor from Georgetown, was released on $20,000 bail on Friday after denying two charges related to the alleged assault of visiting content creator Anthony D’Oliveira near the La Penitence Market earlier this month.
McKay, who operates his vending business at the corner of Water and Cowan Streets, appeared before Chief Magistrate (ag) Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. He pleaded not guilty to charges of using assaultive language likely to cause a breach of the peace and unlawfully assaulting D’Oliveira on January 5 at Saffon Street, La Penitence.
The prosecution objected to bail, citing public safety concerns, as D’Oliveira is reportedly a visitor to Guyana and works as a YouTuber and travel vlogger.
According to allegations, D’Oliveira was filming at the market entrance when he was allegedly slapped on the back of the head and verbally abused. The prosecution indicated that their case would be supported by video footage and a recorded interview.
In his response, McKay stated that he had asked D’Oliveira multiple times to stop filming him, expressing discomfort with being recorded. He claimed the situation escalated after his objections were disregarded.
Chief Magistrate McGusty acknowledged that while assault cannot be justified, filming individuals without consent can be offensive in certain cultures. She made it clear that two wrongs do not make a right and emphasized that D’Oliveira’s status as a visitor does not warrant special treatment or physical harm.
McKay was granted $10,000 bail on each charge, totaling $20,000, and was placed on a bond to keep the peace. The magistrate noted that the parties do not reside near each other and are ordinarily based in different countries. The matter was adjourned to January 20.
This court appearance follows a public appeal from the Guyana Police Force, which sought assistance in identifying the individual seen in a viral video involving the visiting vlogger near the La Penitence Market. Investigators later confirmed McKay’s identity, leading to these proceedings.
