For Road Safety Month…
THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) and Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC) yesterday jointly hosted a mini exhibition/symposium at the National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

A section of the school children yesterday at the National Road Safety Symposium.

It was in keeping with the annual observance of National Road Safety Month, in November, this time under the theme ‘Be vigilant, Be Wise, Practice Road Safety to Stay Alive’.

Police Traffic Chief Neil Semple said it was decided, last year, that the usual rally was outdated and should be replaced with the exhibition and symposium for the benefit of schoolchildren.

There were several booths, including those mounted by the GPF, GNRSC, Red Cross Society, Alicea Foundation and Mothers in Black.

At the GPF booth, Constable Munesh Dial, of Traffic Headquarters, Eve Leary, showed reporters photos and flyers.

He said, while there was no demonstration of its use, the breathalyser was on display.

School children viewing the photographic display in the ‘Mothers in Black’ booth yesterday. (Sonnel Nelson photo)

Reflecting on the death of 16 children on the roads, so far for 2009, Semple said the Police have to enforce their stance on road safety and encourage children to be more careful.

He noted that, overall, 11 road deaths were recorded this month alone.

Speaking about the recent fatalities at De Hoop, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, in which six people died, Semple said the driver of the truck involved has been prosecuted.

Meanwhile, Founder of Mothers In Black, Mrs. Denise Dias said it is a good that children are being educated on the safe use of roads.

She called for the reintroduction of road safety patrols in view of the number of children deaths.