Teacher granted $190,000 bail over passport forgery charges

Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson yesterday granted bail in the sum of $190,000 to a 31-year-old teacher who allegedly forged a Republic of Guyana passport.

Shamkumarie Mallay of Springlands, Corentyne, Berbice pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit a felony and uttering a forged document.
It is alleged that on November 21 at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Mallay with intent to defraud uttered to Constable 19768 Jordon of the Immigration Department one Republic of Guyana passport, number 0999970, in favour of herself purporting to show that the document was issued by the Central Passport and Immigration Office.

Further, between October 1 and November 21 she allegedly conspired with a person or persons unknown to forge the same passport by inserting a photograph of herself knowing the same to be false.

Attorney-at-law Khemraj Ramjattan told the court that it was the first time Mallay has had trouble with the police.
According to him, the woman’s husband resided in Canada. The attorney further explained to the court that he learnt from his client that she had gone to the passport office and applied for a passport and was given the document stated in the charge.

The prosecution did not object to bail and it was granted in the sum of $95,000 for each charge. Mallay has to return to court on January 15.