By Breaking Belize News Staff: A Trinidadian national accused of leaving a Belize City hotel without paying an $11,470.24 bill remains on remand tonight at the “Ramada Hotel” otherwise known as the Belize Central Prison, as his attorney works to satisfy the court’s concerns before bail can be considered.
Rubindra Rampersad, 46, is charged with making off without payment after allegedly leaving Golden Bay Hotel on May 29, 2026, following a month-long stay. He has pleaded not guilty.
Rampersad appeared before the Chief Magistrate on Wednesday, where attorney Darrell Bradley, of Lavenders Chambers, made submissions on his behalf. Bradley argued that his client has already spent more than a month in custody and that the maximum penalty for the charge, upon conviction, is either six months in prison or a $500 fine.
Bradley also cited the High Court case of Rhett Fuller, arguing that bail is a right and not a privilege, and that Rampersad remains innocent until proven guilty.
However, the court raised concerns about Rampersad being a flight risk, given that he is not a Belizean national and was allegedly detained at the Philip Goldson International Airport while attempting to leave the country.
The Chief Magistrate indicated that bail may be considered if Bradley can provide confirmation of several matters, including where Rampersad will stay if released, whether the accommodation has been paid for in advance, and assurances that he will not leave Belize or apply for any other travel documents without the court’s permission.
Bradley told the court he expects to provide those confirmations by Monday, July 6, 2026, when the matter is scheduled to return to court. In the meantime, Rampersad was further remanded to the Belize Central Prison.
The prosecution was also asked to contact Golden Bay Hotel to determine whether criminal mediation may be possible.
According to the allegations, Golden Bay Hotel’s acting manager reported to police that Rampersad stayed at the hotel between May 1 and May 29, 2026, after booking a double room using a credit card. The hotel later alleged that the card declined several times and that Rampersad requested multiple extensions without making payment.
On the morning of May 29, hotel management was informed that Rampersad had left the premises without settling the outstanding bill. Police later obtained statements, documents relating to the alleged debt, and video footage as part of their investigation.
Rampersad was first arraigned on May 29 and was denied bail at that time because he was considered a flight risk.
The post Trinibad man accused of running up $11,000 tab at Golden Bay Hotel without paying remains at ‘Ramada Hotel’ as lawyer seeks his bail appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: A Trinidadian national accused of leaving a Belize City hotel without paying an $11,470.24 bill remains on remand tonight at the “Ramada Hotel” otherwise known as the Belize Central Prison, as his attorney works to satisfy the court’s concerns before bail can be considered. Rubindra Rampersad, 46, is charged with
The post Trinibad man accused of running up $11,000 tab at Golden Bay Hotel without paying remains at ‘Ramada Hotel’ as lawyer seeks his bail appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.