The owner of the minibus and the driver of the truck involved in Saturday night’s fatal accident at Amelia’s Ward, which killed bus driver Terrence Tappin and NCN reporter Akila Jacobs, were yesterday charged by the police.
Orin Alleyne, the owner of the minibus of West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme Georgetown, was charged with permitting an unlicensed driver to use his vehicle and also with allowing a breach of insurance. According to a police press release, Tappin was not a licensed minibus driver.
Meanwhile, driver of the lorry Burchell Thompson of Amelia’s Ward was charged with operating an uninsured and uncertified motor vehicle and with taking and driving the motor vehicle without the owner’s consent.
Alleyne appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennon at the Christianburg Magis-trate’s Court and pleaded “not guilty” to the charges. He was placed on $65,000 bail and will return to court on November 4, 2008.
Burchell Thompson is to appear in court on October 29, 2008.
Meanwhile, when Stabroek News contacted GT&T for comment, the company’s Assistant Public Relations Officer, Oscar Clarke, said that thorough checks are normally done on anyone or any company contracted. He said the company would not offer any further comment, particularly since investigations are still being conducted into the matter.
