BRAZILIAN MEN FOUND AT ILLEGAL MINING SITES REMANDED
Two Brazilian Men who were found at illegal mining Sites in the New River Triangle, Region Nine, earlier this Month were on Monday, February 27th,2023 remanded to Prison.
Alexander Felix, a Pilot and Luan Ricardo Braga Silva, a Garimpeiro, both appeared before Magistrate Allen Wilson at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court.
Felix was “slapped” with Four Charges: operating a Civil Aircraft without an Airworthiness Certificate; interfering with an Aircraft by modifying it so it can be refuelled while in flight, operating an Aircraft without Insurance, and illegal Entry into Guyana.He pleaded ” Not Guilty” to all of the Charges.
His Attorney Kezia Williams, in an application for Bail, told the Court that he is not a Flight Risk since he has ties to Guyana, and lives at BB Eccles, East Bank Demerara.
However, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Vernette Pindar-Whittaker, who is prosecuting the Case for the State, expressed disagreement, and objected to Bail being granted. Among other things, the Prosecutor asked the Court, are to consider the seriousness of the crime, and the Penalty attached.
Magistrate Wilson after consideration, remanded Felix to Prison until the Date of March 16th,2013 for the commencement of his Trial. Seven Witnesses are expected to testify.
Meanwhile, Silva who was next to be arraigned, denied that he entered Guyana by Sea on December 2nd, 2022, and failed to present himself to an Immigration Officer. He was unrepresented, and was also remanded to Prison until March 16th,2023.
According to Reports, on February 19th,2023 Several Men suspected to be Brazilians were spotted at illegal mining Camps in the New River Triangle Area. Most of them, however, managed to escape except Silva.
Police then searched the Camps, and found Several Items, including a Shotgun.
The next Day, a Grey Robinson 44 Helicopter landed in the Area. Felix was the lone Occupant. Nothing illegal was found in the Helicopter.
