Two remanded for robbery, hijacking

January 28 2026

Two men were remanded to prison in connection with an armed robbery during which cash and a vehicle belonging to the New Thriving Restaurant were taken.

The accused, Alvin Archer, 33, of Lot 75 Goed Intent, West Bank Demerara, and Akeem Bailey, 31, of Lot 48 Durban Street, Georgetown, appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Both men pleaded not guilty to the joint charge.

According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on Tuesday, January 20, at Lot 302 Church Street, Georgetown.

It was alleged that $1.2 million in cash and a motor vehicle valued at $2.2 million, registration number PAG 1628, were stolen during the robbery.

The vehicle was reported to be the property of the New Thriving Restaurant.

The prosecution objected to bail, citing concerns for public safety and the possibility that the accused would not return to court.

During the hearing, Bailey addressed the court and asked that bail be considered in light of his family responsibilities.

He told the magistrate“I’m the only person working for my family, and I’m the breadwinner of my family, and I’m not a flight risk or anything.”

Police alleged that the victim, Zong Fei Zhang, had the cash in his possession while travelling along North Road.

Upon arriving at his residence and exiting his vehicle to open his gate, he was allegedly approached by Archer and another man, both of whom reportedly had objects concealed under their hoodies and demanded the money.

Investigators said Zhang was injured during the encounter and remains hospitalised. The suspects allegedly escaped with the cash and the vehicle.

Police responded shortly after the report was made, and CCTV footage later assisted investigators in tracing the movements of the suspects.

Investigators disclosed that the vehicle used to carry out the robbery had been rented by Bailey from a dealership for a two-day period.

According to police, surveillance footage captured Bailey and the other suspects. Bailey was allegedly the driver, dropping off Archer and another accomplice before parking the rental vehicle in the Bourda Market area.

The vehicle belonging to the New Thriving Restaurant was later found abandoned at Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown.

Investigators further stated that Bailey was later seen on camera returning to Bourda Market, where he retrieved the rental vehicle.

The following morning, both men were arrested in Region Three (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara). Police recovered $575,000 of the stolen cash, while the remainder of the $1.2 million remains unaccounted for.

Clothing allegedly worn during the robbery was also seized. Bailey reportedly confessed during police questioning.

When questioned by the magistrate, Bailey admitted that he was driving the rental vehicle at the time of the incident.

He also confirmed that he was arrested in Region Three and said he was taking Archer home.

He told the court that Archer was picked up at the East Coast bus park near a Superbet location and that he was working as a taxi driver at the time.

Bailey again highlighted that he has a wife and children who depend on him financially. In response, the magistrate noted that social protection services could assist his family while he remains in custody.

At the conclusion of the hearing, both Archer and Bailey were remanded to prison. The matter was adjourned to February 20.