More than four months after the fatal accident along the Cumberland Public Road which left two-year-old Jasmine Ross dead, the driver of the vehicle who was allegedly intoxicated at the time of the accident – an East Canje Berbice fire officer – was yesterday placed on $400,000 bail after she was charged with causing the death of Ross.
Chandani Mohabir, also known as ‘Sonie’, 28, a firewoman of Lot 322 East Canefield, East Canje Berbice appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Renita Singh.
Her charge read that on Friday, 23rd December, 2022 at Cumberland Public Road, East Canje Berbice, she drove motor car PGG 278 in a manner dangerous to the public thereby causing the death of Jasmine Ross.
Mohabir was not required to plead to the charge and was placed on $400,000 bail.
She will return to the Reliance Magistrate’s Court on June 2nd for report.
On December 23, Mohabir who was stationed at the New Amsterdam Fire Station, was driving motor car PGG 278 with occupants Shaniya McLeod, 8; Shavine Laundry, 11; Shaveh Laundry, 10; and Javeer Blair, 5.
She allegedly lost control of the vehicle and struck motorcycle MR-1 which was being ridden by Marley Ross, 29, with his now deceased daughter Jasmine of Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, as the pillion rider.
All of the occupants of the car and Ross were rushed to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital. Jasmine was pronounced dead on arrival, while Marley Ross, Javeer Blair and Shavine Laundry were later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital.
Following the accident, a breathalyzer test revealed that Mohabir’s blood alcohol level was .45 micrograms.
In December last year she was charged with driving a motor vehicle while her breath alcohol level exceeded the prescribed limit. She had pleaded not guilty to the charge and was placed on $100,000 bail.
Mohabir was also deemed a flight risk resulting in her passport being lodged at the court pending the outcome of that matter.
Ross’s parents have been calling for justice and even met with President Irfaan Ali on Friday last during his outreach to Region Six.
