THE old adage of ‘prevention is better than cure’ is coming alive in Guyana. I applaud Minister Clement Rohee for his efforts in really making the ‘driving culture,’ here in Guyana, a brand new one. The campaign started on the East Coast of Demerara, and now Berbice is being targeted. Also, I admire the fact that there is the push to get the general public totally involved. So thanks to you Sir. First, as I have already intimated, the aim is really to create safety for all road users. And yes, “in light of the recent spate of road accidents,” it is very important that measures be put in place. Not only is ‘prevention better than cure’ but also ‘it is best always to nip it in the bud’ when it comes to anything that is not contributory to mankind’s well being. I address this from a personal standpoint too. Only a few days ago, mini bus BMM 7207 (nos. 44 Annandale route) was being operated by a driver, with a beer in his hand. I desisted from embarking, and called Plaisance Police Station. I was unable to follow up, but I am sure something was done, even if at the mental level. The diver actually told me that what he was doing was legal. Also, in the conductor’s seat were two colluding young females, enjoying this fellowship, in an ambience of music. The big question is, why I make this public?

For one, even if 99 out of 100  people say it is okay to drink and drive a mini-bus, and just one person is ‘living by the rule’ the majority –yes all of them still remain in the wrong. The bad culture may be widespread and ever becoming entrenched, but that does not proffer reasons for condoning. My personal view on this is that these erring drivers, being aided and abetted by young and attractive young girls, feel a sense of ‘machismo.’ And this is where all the hard work, put in by Minister Rohee can go to waste. This is also where the public-spirited citizens can really help. They must learn that they have a civic duty. They must report these types of incidents. If enough reports are made, and every one becomes a ‘watch dog’, then Guyana will change rapidly along the line of the ‘correct driving culture.’

What was encouraging about the Berbice leg was the fact that the turnout was great. So just look at the force now: Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), and the National Road Safety Council (NRSC),   taxi drivers on the West Coast of Berbice, and the general citizenry. WOW! This means that with the establishment of a Road Safety Association, the new attitude is bound to be noticed.  I mean, why should Government spend time and money on infrastructure, when ‘John Public’ will not be included in a responsible and accountable manner?  Again: road safety is everybody’s business, and in the words of the President himself, ‘death is too great a price to pay.’

Personally, I am looking forward to the (new) Committee members (Rawana Ally, Dennis Chesney, Boodram Rampersaud, Hassan Ullah, Dianand Persaud, Jasoda Gillingham and Darshan Persaud along with Inspector Boodram Persaud, Nazeema Persaud representing Region 5 NRSC, and Dennis Pompey from the Home Affairs Ministry)  really making a difference. The law must be enforced.