Paul Watson, minibus driver of EBE, charged over false pretense

Georgetown, Guyana: Paul Watson, a 47-year-old minibus driver of East Bank Essequibo (EBE), was charged on Monday with the offences of ‘Obtaining by False Pretense, Contrary to Section 194 of the Criminal Law (Offences) act, Chapter 8:01.

The accused was identified to be from Zeelugt Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo. He was arrested on August 11, 2023, and was supposed to be charged on Monday.

Noting this, Watson appeared at the Vreed-en-Hoop Court before Magistrate Faith McGusty, where the charge was read to him.

Further, he pleaded not guilty and was remanded to prison. The matter is currently adjourned till February 12 for disclosure. However, the authorities have not yet confirmed the exact offence. The police are investigating the matter, and several questions are being asked from Paul regarding the matter.

Additionally, people across the region took to their official social media handle (Facebook) to express their frustration with the authorities, as they did not properly define and detail the matter.

While reacting to the post, a person named Miguel Ram S stated, “False what?? Was he pretending to be something or someone? I’m confused ATM?” in response, an FB user by the name of Marlon Small added, “That’s the law. It is not subjecting to anything it could be money, goods and services among other things.”

Moreover, this is not a new case of false pretense reported in East Bank Essequibo. The area is witnessing multiple related crimes.

Swastie Singh, also known as ‘Shanta’, is wanted by the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) for questioning in connection with money laundering and other financial crimes offences in Guyana.

The investigating officers urged people to come forward and contact SOCU or the nearest police station if they get any information about the whereabouts of the said person.

Noting this, this news gained more than 55 shares and around 80 comments on Facebook.

Adding to the facts, such stances of crime put the safety of the public at risk. Authorities are advised to implement strict laws and take serious actions to tackle these crimes.