-road safety association to be established
IN a relentless bid to create safer roadways in light of the recent spate of road accidents, Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, and members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), and the National Road Safety Council (NRSC), engaged minibus and taxi drivers on the West Coast of Berbice in a highly interactive session with the aim of establishing a Road Safety Association. Addressing the drivers, Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, said that he was pleased with the large turnout and the recommendations that emanated from the discussions.
He explained the importance of the roads in the economic development of the country.
“Government is spending more and more on infrastructure because it is seen as an investment for economic activities,” he said.

He also explained that the establishment of the road safety association is in the best interest of every road user.
“This is where the civilian population in the various regions will have their say with regard to road safety,” Minister Rohee said.
The recommendations made at the road safety association will be forwarded to the NRSC, which, if found to be feasible, will inform policy-making.
“Road safety is everybody’s business, you have to get involved now,” the minister urged.
Commander of B’ Division, Steve Merai, lamented that many minibus drivers are using the road very carelessly by speeding, particularly at peak hours in the afternoon.
He disclosed that his division has now organised a late night patrol programme, to intercept persons who are driving under the influence of alcohol.
Regional Chairman, Region Five, Harrinarine Baldeo, said that while road accidents cannot be predicted, they are avoidable.
During the discussions, drivers raised a number of concerns; these included stray animals, paddy drying on the roads, derelict vehicles, and other encumbrances, among others.
Responding to a concern with regard to the establishment of a bus stop for the 50 route buses, Engineer, Road Safety Department, Ministry of Public Works, Nigel Erskine, recalled that when a bus stop for the 56 route was identified last year, a technical study was carried out with the relevant stakeholders, and it was suggested that a similar activity can be conducted to identify suitable spots.

Erskine also disclosed that the Public Works Ministry has embarked on an ongoing maintenance programme to improve road signage, street lighting, and other road infrastructure, as well as an ongoing demolition exercise to remove encumbrances.
At the end of the session, a steering committee was formed, which will in turn work towards the establishment of the Road Safety Association.
The Committee’s members include Rawana Ally, Dennis Chesney, Boodram Rampersaud, Hassan Ullah, Dianand Persaud, Jasoda Gillingham and Darshan Persaud along with Inspector Boodram Persaud, Nazeema Persaud representing Region Five NRSC, and Dennis Pompey from the Home Affairs Ministry. (GINA)