Two men have been remanded to prison in connection with an armed robbery during which cash and a vehicle belonging to the New Thriving Restaurant were stolen.
The accused, Alvin Archer, 33, of Lot 75 Goed Intent, West Bank Demerara, and Akeem Bailey, 31, of Lot 48 Durban Street, Georgetown, appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where both pleaded not guilty to the joint charge.
According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on Tuesday, January 20, at Lot 302 Church Street, Georgetown. It is alleged that $1.2 million in cash and a motor vehicle valued at $2.2 million (registration number PAG 1628) were stolen during the robbery, with the vehicle reported as the property of the New Thriving Restaurant.
The prosecution objected to bail, citing concerns for public safety and the likelihood that the accused would not return to court. During the hearing, Bailey addressed the magistrate, highlighting his family responsibilities. He stated, “I’m the only person working for my family, and I’m the breadwinner of my family, and I’m not a flight risk or anything.”
The police alleged that the victim, Zong Fei Zhang, had the cash in his possession while traveling along North Road. Upon arriving at his residence and exiting his vehicle to open his gate, he was approached by Archer and another man, both allegedly concealing objects under their hoodies, who demanded the money.
Investigators reported that Zhang was injured during the encounter and remains hospitalized. The suspects allegedly escaped with the cash and the vehicle. Following the report, police responded quickly, and CCTV footage assisted investigators in tracing the movements of the suspects.
Authorities revealed that the vehicle used in the robbery had been rented by Bailey for a two-day period. Surveillance footage captured Bailey allegedly driving the rental vehicle, dropping off Archer and another accomplice before parking it in the Bourda Market area.
The vehicle belonging to the New Thriving Restaurant was later found abandoned at Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown. Investigators also noted that Bailey was seen on camera returning to Bourda Market to retrieve the rental vehicle.
The following morning, both men were arrested in Region Three (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara). Police recovered $575,000 of the stolen cash, while the remainder remains unaccounted for. Clothing allegedly worn during the robbery was also seized, and Bailey reportedly confessed during police questioning.
When questioned by the magistrate, Bailey confirmed he was driving the rental vehicle during the incident and stated he was taking Archer home. He noted that Archer was picked up at the East Coast bus park near a Superbet location and mentioned that he was working as a taxi driver at the time.
Bailey reiterated his family’s dependence on him financially, but the magistrate commented that social protection services could assist his family while he remains in custody.
At the conclusion of the hearing, both Archer and Bailey were remanded to prison. The matter was adjourned to February 20.
